Front Page Headlines
Outrage against the wretched state of infrastructure
The consecutive fatal road accidents, the lack of infrastructure, the spending of money initially collected for road works and safety barriers on other areas and the recent hikes in driving license fees and road tax has caused a widespread public reaction. The public’s criticism of the state had turned into outrage and now that anger has spilt onto the streets.
“If we were to think the same with the UBP, we would have been a single party”
People’s Party (HP) General Secretary Yenal Senin spoke to Kıbrıs Postası about the party on its fourth anniversary.
- Özersay: Regional developments made Cyprus more important.
- PM Tatar: EastMed project is nothing but a hostile attitude
The business community does not have any hopes for the coming year
Turgay Deniz, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce said the financial and economic collaboration agreement between Turkey and the north is very important. He emphasized that an agreement that will cover the period between 2020-2023 must be drafted without further delay. Deniz also warned political problems will hamper economic stability.
- PM Tatar: EastMed project is nothing but a hostile project
People rebelling
The people protested the authorities and demanded road safety following fatal traffic accidents at the Kurudere (Mousoulita) – Turunçlu (Strongylos) – Ulukışla (Marathovounos) junctions.
Open call
The announcement of 2019’s inflation rate as 11.66 per cent has not satisfied the public. Members of the public who complain that the prices of basic commodities are constantly going up said, “If the price of 1 kg of tomatoes has gone up to 12₺ (approx €2) then the government should allow the import of tomatoes from Turkey to drive the price down.”
The junction of death
Locals staged a protest at the Turunçlu (Strongylos) junction which claimed numerous lives. The protest which was organised by the Mukhtar of Kurudere (Mousoulita) started at Turunçlu (Strongylos) junction and ended at the Ulukışla (Marathovounos) junction. Flowers were laid at the junction in memory of those who lost their lives. Members of several civil society organisations and former politicians supported the protest.
Main News
TC officials continue to criticize EastMed agreement
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot officials continued to issue statements on Sunday criticizing the recently signed EastMed pipeline deal between the Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar in a statement on Sunday described the agreement as a hostile act.
He said that the Greek Cypriot side in collaboration with Greece and Israel had opted not to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot side but instead had chosen to pursue a project which seemed impossible to implement.
Tatar pointed out that what the region required were agreements, cooperation and rational actions.
“The realities are clear. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a state which reflects the political will of the Turkish Cypriot people. Turkey is a guarantor country for Cyprus and the countries will never allow anyone to usurp their rights. That is why the EastMed project can’t come to life without Turkey’s approval,” he stressed.
Tatar also argued that statements made by the Greek Cypriot side were aimed at hurting Turkish Cypriots and Turkey.
It must be known that the agreement contradicts regional security realities and arrangements carrying a serious potential for instability,” he added.
Tatar pointed out that Turkey was economically the most viable and feasible route to transport hydrocarbons in the region to profitable markets.
“When taking this into consideration, we see that the agreement is not driven by economic rationale but political motivations which aim to exclude Turkey and Turkish Cypriots from their energy rights,” he said.
This he added posed a serious risk to regional peace and stability.
Tatar also argued EastMed agreement was also not legitimate in terms of international law due to the maritime boundaries agreement signed between Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognized government of National Accord.
“The only way to share the region’s wealth is to refrain from policies which aimed to exclude regional actors,” Tatar concluded.
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay on Sunday said the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East have seriously increased the importance of the Turkish Cypriot state.
In a written statement, Özersay said, “the Turkish Cypriot people and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which reflects its will, has started to become a regional actor without having to wait for a comprehensive solution. It moves and positions are thus being watched closely.”
He added that even though the latest developments carried the risk of disrupting regional peace and stability, it also brought with it various opportunities.
“Approaches for regional cooperation which include all actors could contribute to peace and stability in the eastern Mediterranean. There are problems associated with recognition and non-recognition in the region, particularly when it comes to the case of Cyprus. What is clear is that nothing can be achieved by excluding states which exist in the region but which are not recognized by other states,” he said.
That is why the only way forward is cooperation, Özersay added.
He also pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot state will continue to take coordinated steps with Turkey.
Özersay said that they will continue to refrain from moves which might trigger conflict and will take steps towards regional cooperation and setting the balance.
“There has been an increase in our unofficial diplomatic efforts. It is up to us to transform instability into opportunity. This is what we are working for,” he added.
KEY ACTORS
Tatar (UBP)
>> EastMed agreement a hostile act.
>> What the region needs is cooperation and rational actions.
>> Turkey is a guarantor country for Cyprus & TCs and Turkey will never allow anyone to usurp their rights.
>> Not possible for EastMed project to come to life without Turkey’s approval.
>> EastMed agreement contradicts regional security realities & arrangements carrying a serious potential for instability.
>> Turkey is economically the most viable & feasible route to transport hydrocarbons in the region to profitable markets.
>> EastMed agreement is not driven by economic rationale but political motivations aimed at depriving Turkey & TCs of energy rights.
>> EastMed agreement is not legitimate in terms of int’l law due to maritime boundaries agreement signed between Turkey & Libya’s internationally recognized government.
>> The only way to share the region’s wealth is to refrain from policies which aimed to exclude regional actors.
Özersay (HP)
>> Regional developments have increased the importance of the TC state.
>> TC state has started to become a regional actor without having to wait for a comprehensive solution.
>> Latest developments despite carrying the risk of disrupting regional peace & stability also bring with its various opportunities.
>> Approaches for regional cooperation which include all actors could contribute to peace and stability in the East Med.
>> Nothing can be achieved by excluding states which exist in the region but which are not recognized by other states.
>>The only way forward is cooperation.
>> TC side will continue to take coordinated steps with Turkey.
>> TC side will continue to refrain from moves which might trigger conflict & will take steps towards regional cooperation.