GCC Press Review 15 Oct 2019

Front Page Headlines

Politis

GESY radar traces system abuse

Around 34,000 suspicious cases under the HIO (Health Insurance Organisation) microscope. A doctor requested compensation for tests he never carried out. Unnecessary examinations and lab tests under investigation.

  • Akinci: They are calling for his resignation
  • First steps for sanctions – They seek measures against TPAO.
  • Assad and Russia the big winners – The day after the Turkish invasion. Unified EU front on the issue of the Turkish invasion in northeast Syria.

Phileleftheros

The sanctions die has been cast

Freezing of assets of persons and companies on drillings in the EEZ is on its way. Britain in Ankara’s defence, alone against everyone at the Foreign Affairs Council. Whiplash by Federica Mogherini.

  • Akinci: My statements have been misunderstood – He is being attacked from everywhere.
  • Continuous exercises in the Cypriot EEZ – France, Italy, Greece.
  • Prayer in schools is obligatory – Reactions for teacher.
  • New state of play with Assad’s decision to back the Kurds – Erdogan carries on unfazed.

Haravgi

The EU suggests ‘restrictive measures’ and dialogue

The political decision on the ‘restrictive measures’ against persons and companies in relation with the illegal Turkish drillings in the Cypriot EEZ was taken and the legal technical preparation for targeted measures such as proposals on who these natural and legal persons will follow, Mogherini stated, referring to the conclusions of the European Council.

  • N. Anastasiades: “It wasn’t me…” (article on latest spat with AKEL)
  • Defending peace is not a crime, Akinci responds to his critics
  • New checks and balances after the involvement of the Syrian army

Cyprus Mail

EU backing over Turkish drilling

Cyprus welcomes EU support as ministers meet over Syria and drilling in EEZ.

  • Akinci hits back at Erdogan, says comments on Syria were distorted

Alithia

Practice what you preach…

The possibility of criminal offences by five former and current members of the Audit Office is under investigations. The ‘5’ had set up a company in 2007 that acquired property. Around 1.5 years ago a company plot was rented by the EAC for installation of photovoltaic systems with rent to the tune of €27,000 per year for a 27-year-period. “The Audit Office shows zero tolerance for internal cases of reprehensible behaviour. The staff ought to behave in honesty and integrity and always be reliable and act in good faith also for the public interest.”

  • Akinci won’t back down – He repeats his positions against the Turkish invasion in Syria. Threats also for his life. Parties in the occupied areas are calling for his resignation.
  • Toothless measures: Turkey invades but persons & companies are being punished
  • Kremlin: Moscow and Ankara are in contact on the operation in Syria – “There have been contacts, there have been specific agreements.”

Main News

Satisfaction over EU decision on Turkey

Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Energy, Regional/International Relations

OVERVIEW

The government on Monday welcomed the decision of the EU28 Foreign Ministers for restrictive measures against companies and persons involved in Turkey’s drilling activities off Cyprus, the papers report.

The move concerns freezing assets and barring entry to EU countries of those involved in such activities, with Turkey expressing its dismay with this development.

According to the dailies, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the agreement by the EU Foreign Affairs Council arguing it was a continuation of the political, diplomatic and economic measures taken by EU foreign ministers last July in light of Turkey’s non-compliance with EU decisions.

He said the outcome strengthens Cyprus’ efforts to prevent and put an end to Turkey’s illegal activities and that the EU has sent a clear message to Turkey that its actions are condemnable. This was also a message to all those involved in these illegal activities that their actions have consequences, he said.

The minister said that following an understanding between President Nicos Anastasiades and the president of the European Council Donald Tusk the issue will be further discussed at the level of leaders at the forthcoming European Council meeting on Thursday and Friday, which will ratify the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions.

Cyprus Mail reports that the main focus of Monday’s meeting in Luxembourg was Turkey’s incursion into Syria, but its hydrocarbon activities in block 7 of Cyprus’ EEZ were also on the agenda. EU countries committed to suspending arms exports to Turkey over its actions in Syria but stopped short of the EU-wide arms embargo that France and Germany had sought.

As regards Cyprus, the 28 EU foreign affairs ministers said in a text that the council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law. The Council recalled its conclusions of 15 July 2019 in all its parts, “and notably 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.”

Based on preparatory work already undertaken, the Council agreed that a framework regime of restrictive measures targeting natural and legal persons responsible for or involved in the illegal drilling activity of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean is put in place. It also invited High Representative Federica Mogherini and the Commission to swiftly present proposals to this effect.

In response, the Turkish foreign ministry condemned the EU’s statements regarding both Syria and Cyprus. “We will seriously review our cooperation with the EU on certain areas due to its unlawful and biased attitude,” the ministry said.

It added that Turkey finds it totally unacceptable that the EU considers its research and drilling activities as illegal, which are being carried out resolutely to protect her own rights, as well as the rights of the TCs in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish foreign ministry said the EU’s “prejudiced position” against Turkey had no precedent.

“It is a reality that the EU, by failing to materialize its own decisions taken and its own promises given in 2004, had already been disregarding the Turkish Cypriots,” the Turkish ministry said.

According to Politis, this reference concerned the direct trade regulation.

Phileleftheros, citing sources, reports that the measures concern freezing the assets of persons and companies involved in Turkey’s drilling activities off Cyprus and barring their entry in the EU. Nicosia will provide a list with names of companies whose assets will be frozen. Freezing of assets will also concern EU citizens participating in Turkey’s activities, the daily reported.

All the names of persons and companies will be processed by RELEX and COREPER and will be approved by the European Council at the political level, according to Phileleftheros.

The daily also reports that UK Foreign Minister Andrew Murrison was the only one objecting to further measures against Turkey both in relation with Syria and Cyprus arguing that his country was not aware of promoting targeted measures against Turkey. This led to Mogherini responding that the UK, along with the rest of the 27 states knew since July 9 that targeted measures would follow, and were informed of this in writing. The UK eventually was forced to agree to the Council’s conclusions, the daily reported.

Politis reports that the EU is a step closer to enforcing targeted measures against Turkey and the state petroleum company TPAO.

According to Alithia, the EU measures are superficial ones since they are not aimed at Turkey but persons and the companies involved in the illegal activities. The Turkish government is being accused of invading the Cypriot EEZ with drilling rigs as well as frigates and warships but the EU has taken action against persons and companies involved in these activities, the daily said.

KEY ACTORS
Christodoulides
>>
Welcomes the agreement by the EU 28 FMs which strengthens Cyprus’ efforts to prevent and put an end to Turkey’s illegal activities & sends a clear message to Turkey that its actions are condemnable.
>> The Council’s decision is a message to all those involved in Turkey’s illegal activities that their actions have consequences.

Foreign Affairs Council (EU)
>>
Reaffirms its full solidarity with Cyprus on the issue of respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
>> The delimitation of EEZs & 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.
>> Agrees that a framework regime of restrictive measures targeting natural & legal persons responsible for or involved in the illegal drilling activity in the East Med is put in place. Invites Mogherini & Commission to swiftly present proposals to this effect.

Turkish foreign ministry
>>
Condemns EU statements & unlawful and biased attitude & warns Turkey will seriously review her cooperation with the EU in certain areas.
>> Finds completely unacceptable that the EU considers Turkey’s research and drilling activities aimed at protecting her and the TCs’ rights, illegal.
>> The EU’s prejudiced position against Turkey is unprecedented.
>> The EU disregards the TCs & failed to materialize its own decisions and promises given to them in 2004.


‘Solution is a difficult goal but achievable’

Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process

OVERVIEW

Irish President Michael Higgins who was on the island on Monday on an official visit said overcoming a legacy of conflict and division was a difficult process but an achievable one.

Higgins had a meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades who briefed him on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s violation of the island’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Irish president said after the meeting that ending conflict and division was also a time-consuming process, “one requiring great patience and dedication but achievable with political will on all sides”.

He added that the role of the UN remains central to the process of conflict resolution, and achieving reconciliation.

Higgins also said Ireland would support Cyprus’ efforts to reach a solution that would ensure peace and stability “through the establishment of an honourable, balanced and durable settlement”.

He also said that he shares Cyprus’ concern over exploratory drilling at sea, stressing that maritime activities should be undertaken in the context of international law.

According to Phileleftheros, the issue of Turkey and her actions in Cyprus and Syria was mostly discussed during the meeting.

President Nicos Anastasiades pointed out that Turkey’s latest actions in Cyprus were the most serious escalation of her illegal activities to date and another blatant violation of the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign rights. He also said they were also a threat to the wider stability, peace and security in the already turbulent East Med.

KEY ACTORS
Higgins (Ireland)
>>
It is not easy to end conflict and division & overcome that legacy but it is not impossible. Political will, patience & dedication is needed by all sides involved.
>> The UN’s role in processes of conflict resolution & achieving reconciliation is very important.
>> Ireland supports Cyprus’ efforts for the establishment of an honourable, balanced and durable solution.
>> Shares Cyprus’ concern over Turkey’s actions at sea stressing that maritime activities should be undertaken in the context of international law.

Anastasiades
>>
Turkey’s latest actions in Cyprus are the most serious escalation of her illegal activities to date, yet another blatant violation of the RoC’s sovereign rights & a threat to the wider stability, peace and security in the East Med.


Cypriot-French aeronautical exercise wraps up

Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros
External Security, Energy

OVERVIEW

The dailies report that an exercise between France and Cyprus took place on Sunday to the south of the island and within the blocks 6, 7, 10 and 11.

The FNS LaFayette, the OPV Ioannides and Special Forces of the Cyprus Navy and an AW-139 helicopter of the Cyprus Air Force participated in the exercise.

According to the defence ministry, the joint aeronautical exercise was carried out in the framework of the bilateral Agreement for Cooperation on Defence Matters, drawn up between the ministries of defence of the two countries.

Phileleftheros reports that more joint exercises between the Republic and countries with interests in the Cypriot EEZ will follow, as long as the Turkish provocations continue. After the exercise with the French navy, Italy and Greece follow in trilateral cooperation, the daily reports.

It added that the exercises are a response by the Republic of Cyprus and cooperative countries to Turkish aggression regarding their determination to carry on with their energy programmes.

According to the paper, Turkey preserves a climate of tension in the area with the presence of vessels, drill rigs and by issuing illegal Navtex messages for areas of Cyprus and Greece.

Citing statements of Defence Minister Savvas Angelides to Alpha TV, the paper reports that the minister does not perceive Turkey’s latest Navtex on an exercise on Monday in parts of blocks 1, 5, 6 and 7 as a reaction to the Cypriot-French exercise since these types of provocations are standard practice for Turkey.

The minister said that Turkey has been issuing Navtex messages for a long time now and it is one of the issues that the government is trying to tackle. He also said there will not be a permanent presence of the French navy in block 7, pointing out there is French navy presence in the wider area, according to the daily

KEY ACTORS
Angelides (Defence Minister)
>>
Navtex messages issued by Turkey is a standard provocation practice which the RoC is trying to tackle.
>> There will not be permanent presence in block 7 of the French navy which is present anyway in the wider area.


Akinci defends positions, hits back at detractors

Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
External Security, Regional/International Relations

OVERVIEW

All dailies report on the aftermath of the statements by TC leader Mustafa Akinci concerning Turkey’s invasion of northern Syria and his latest statement on Monday.

Akinci on Monday expressed his disappointment with the unfair and hurtful expressions and statements against him and said he returned these statements to their owners.

He wondered since when it was a crime to defend peace, asking what good would it do to blame and slander.

Akinci said what he had originally said in his Facebook post had been twisted to make it look as if he was talking about negotiating with the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK).

The TCs attach great importance to ties with Turkey, he said, adding that he himself has endeavoured to develop relations based on mutual respect. But it was not always possible to think the same way and to exhibit the same behaviour on every issue.

He also said his ‘presidency’, was shaped by the free will of the TCs who have the maturity to decide by their own volition and not by suggestions.

According to the Cyprus Mail, Akinci took his own defence a step further on Monday by publishing an official statement, openly defying his detractors both in Turkey and in northern Cyprus.

Phileleftheros reports that extreme nationalist organisations laid a black wreath at the ‘presidential palace’ and called on Akinci to resign.

In an opinion piece, Phileleftheros said that if Turkey has a role post-solution, incidents like these will not be uncommon. Akinci wrote the obvious which the Ankara regime did not accept.

It is clear that the Turkish mentality does not accept different opinions, the daily said, adding that this was not the first time Erdogan attacks Akinci.

What we need to assess and be concerned about is whether after a solution to the Cyprus problem, Turkey will have a say. Because if Turkey will have a role and a say, we will clearly witness similar incidents. Turkey will be in a position to censor and dictate and install and dethrone TC leaders at will, the daily said.

According to Politis, Akinci’s statements disturbed so much because of their timing, since he questioned Turkey’s methods while the operation was underway at a time when almost the entire public opinion at international level was against it.

The second reason is that Akinci’s statements call for good relations with the EU, Egypt and Syria when Erdogan seeks the exact opposite, and the third reason is the ‘election’ climate in the occupied areas. The fact that Akinci said that what was dubbed in 1974 as a ‘peace operation’ was not such, disturbed the nationalist elements within the TC community, the daily said.

Alithia reports that despite the wild attacks against him but also threats against his life, Akinci did not back down and repeated his position on Monday.

The majority of TC political parties expressed their opposition to Akinci’s statements with some of them calling for his resignation, the paper reported. According to Alithia, ‘prime minister’ Ersin Tatar has called for a joint declaration to wish every success to the Turkish soldiers in Syria.

Haravgi reports of an aftershock following Akinci’s post, noting that attacks but also statements of support continue.

KEY ACTORS
Akinci

>> Wonders since when it is a crime to defend peace.
>> While TCs attach great importance to ties with Turkey, he wants relations based on mutual respect. There must be room for difference of opinion.
>> He was elected by the TCs who have the maturity to make their own decisions. Suggestions by others are not necessary.


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