GCC Press Review 23 Jan 2020

Front Page Headlines

Politis

Ankara is looking for gas and Nicosia for policy

Government-opposition in a windmill battle for internal consumption. The interior ministry is not above criticism, says AKEL. DISY makes clear it supports the government’s foreign policy.

  • Prestige by strong majority – Promise of consent by (Ekaterini) Sakelaropoulou. With 261 votes, the Greek parliament has chosen the first woman president.
  • Prices were up yesterday in petrol and diesel fuel

Phileleftheros

Diplomacy of faits accomplis

Turkey is trying to enforce a 50-50 share also in gas reserves. The occupied areas share Turkey’s position.

  • Greece: Election of the new president

Haravgi

Maelstrom of… family self-illusions

President Anastasiades and the foreign minister will have to coordinate as regards foreign policy and the illusions they cultivate. The AKEL leader called on the government to decide who is right: “Mr Anastasiades who says we must not have illusions on what measures the EU will enforce against Turkey or Mr Christodoulides who says we were able to convince (EU partners for sanctions on Turkey)…”

Cyprus Mail

Student quotas impact colleges

Colleges say they face big losses over foreign student clampdown.

Alithia

From students… virtual ‘grooms’

Smuggling rings and third-country nationals are taking advantage of the student status. They bring them to Cyprus as students with the aim of becoming ‘grooms’ in sham marriages, work illegally or file for asylum protection.

  • Stop your illegal drillings – Clear intervention-position by the US State Department over the new provocation by the Yavuz. The government confirms that the Yavuz has reached block 8 with information from our own studies.
  • FM VS AKEL: They are trying to harm me
  • Greece: The first female president is a fact
  • Libya: The ‘truce’ is up in the air. The Tripoli airport was bombed.

Main News

Government believes Turkey obtained info from ENI’s studies on block 8 but not sure what & how

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

OVERVIEW

Main item in almost all papers is the revelation that Turkey has somehow got hold of information concerning offshore block 8, with authorities admitting that studies on hydrocarbons drilling were public documents until two years ago.

In the meantime, Ankara is now pushing for a 50-50 share in everything.

Most dailies report that Government Spokesman Kyriacos Kousios on Wednesday said that things point to that Turkey has obtained certain studies carried out by Italian energy firm ENI prior to drilling for natural gas in offshore block 8.

In an interview with Greek state broadcaster ERT, Kousios said the government was not suggesting any of the energy companies involved had given Turkey the data.  “But to go to the particular target … it seems that through some way they have information about the studies,” Kousios added.

Haravgi reports that the government itself has been publishing these studies online until the end of 2017 including ENI’s on target ‘Notos’ of block 8 which could be found on the environment department’s website. The department in question confirmed this was the standard practice until the beginning of 2018 but now everything is being done in complete secrecy.

The Cyprus Mail too, citing Politis’ journalist Chrysanthos Manoli also reports that detailed data regarding the drilling had been published in August 2017 on the website of the state environment department, which publishes all environmental studies submitted when applying for a permit.

Politis reports that it is not clear what information Turkey possesses as regards block 8 but there is nothing proving Turkey obtained data from any study in an illegal manner. Citing sources, the daily reports that Turkey could have obtained data from the research activities of its vessel Barbaros in the area. ENI however, did not think the target in question in block 8 was the best one and moved to other targets and blocks, the paper reports.

Cyprus Mail also reports that Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said it would be a negative development if Turkey drilled in the field since it would raise issues with licensed companies which expect a return on their investment.

The minister said EU sanctions against individuals and companies involved in Ankara’s activities in the EEZ could escalate depending on developments.

Speaking to state broadcaster CyBC radio, the minister admitted, however, that these sanctions would not lead to Turkey ending her illegal activities off Cyprus.

“The most important is that it sends a clear message to those involved that there are consequences,” he said.

Commenting on President Nicos Anastasiades’ statements on Tuesday that one should not create expectations that Europe was ready to take harsher measures against Turkey, Christodoulides said the president was being pragmatic. He explained that several EU countries are concerned about Turkey’s threats on the migration issue while each country has in mind its own interests, the daily reported.

Phileleftheros, in its main item, reports that Ankara, through the dispatch of the Yavuz drillship in block 8, is trying to divide in an illegal way the island’s marine area and enforce a share in everything: soil, sea, air, sovereign rights, etc.

It is not random that after the Yavuz anchored in block 8, the Turkish side started calling for a political settlement and dialogue, the paper repots. It added that Turkey is trying to use this illegal act to promote agreements with other countries in the region after Libya, such as with Egypt and Israel.

The daily also reports that TC ‘foreign minister’ Kudret Ozersay is trying to promote Turkish positions and demands in the region by arguing that there must be a settlement on the marine zones prior to a solution to the Cyprus problem.

TC leader Mustafa Akinci as well said he is in favour of a dialogue between the two sides to define the sea zones by paying attention on scientific data, the paper reported.

Haravgi also reports that AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou criticised the government of lack of coordination arguing that on one hand President Nicos Anastasiades is saying one should not have the illusion the EU would take measures against Turkey while the foreign minister has been declaring that Nicosia was able to convince its EU partners that harsh measures should be taken against Ankara.

Kyprianou also said that his party’s criticism to Christodoulides lies in that the latter keeps repeating the slogan that the government has shielded politically and legally the Cypriot EEZ which has nothing to do with reality.

He also expressed his party’s concerns over Turkey’s moves and the looming risks for peace in the wider region. Kyprianou said there should be efforts to deescalate tensions and once the situation is calmer, the GC side should take initiatives for the relaunch of the talks for solution on the agreed framework without making any concessions that would provide Turkey with the ability to intervene in internal matters after the solution, he said, according to Haravgi.

Alithia, Politis, Phileleftheros and Haravgi report that Christodoulides reacted to criticism from AKEL arguing he was being personally attacked.

Politis reports that the political scene gives the impression that the new spat between government and opposition focuses on the internal audience while Turkey proceeds with her plans with the Yavuz, now located in block 8.

The dailies report that ruling DISY’s leader Averof Neophytou said Turkey’s actions were illegal while the decision to drill in block 8, off Limassol, was a provocation to the international community, Europe and the Republic of Cyprus.

He also said the party backs the president arguing that one should not cultivate self-illusions. No one will wage a war for Cyprus’ sake, he said, adding that political moves was the only way to go.

DIKO said that the escalation of Turkish provocations proves how unfortified the Cypriot EEZ is while accuses the government of having an unclear policy to deter Turkish actions expect from procedures at EU level.

EDEK called for utilising the Republic of Cyprus’ right to veto to block any upgrade of Turkey-EU relations.

The Solidarity Movement linked the information on Turkey stealing ENI’s studies with the Israeli spy van case calling on the government to provide detailed information on the case and the role of the Republic’s secret services.

ELAM and the Citizens’ Alliance want the government to brief parties on the information that Turkey has stolen information on block 8.

Some of the dailies also report that the US State Department said it remained “deeply concerned” by reports of Turkey’s drilling operations in the waters off Cyprus including plans to dispatch the Yavuz south of Limassol and has urged the Turkish authorities to halt them.

“This provocative step raises tensions in the region. We urge Turkish authorities to halt these operations,” it said, adding that the US policy on Cyprus’s EEZ is “longstanding and has not changed: The United States recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop the resources in its exclusive economic zone.”

“Only the Republic of Cyprus can assert maritime claims from the territory of Cyprus,” it said, according to the papers.

KEY ACTORS
Kousios
>>
It seems Turkey has somehow obtained data from ENI’s studies on block 8 but not accusing any of the energy companies providing the data.

Christodoulides
>>
If Turkey drills in block 8 it would be a negative development since it would raise issues with licensed companies which expect a return on their investment.
>> Admits that the EU sanctions on individuals and companies over their involvement in Turkey’s illegal drillings off Cyprus would not stop Ankara, but send out the message to those involved that there are consequences for their actions.

Kyprianou (AKEL)
>>
Calls on Anastasiades and Christodoulides to better coordinate since the president says he does not expect sanctions from the EU on Turkey and the latter that Cyprus has convinced its EU partners for harsh measures against Ankara.
>> Christodoulides keeps repeating the slogan that the government has shielded politically & legally the Cypriot EEZ which is not true.
>> The GC side should first focus on efforts to deescalate tensions & then take initiatives for the relaunch of the talks for a solution on the agreed framework without making any concessions that would allow Turkey intervene in internal matters after the solution.

Neophytou (DISY)
>>
 Turkey’s latest actions are illegal & a provocation to the international community, Europe and the RoC.
>> Political moves is the only way to address Turkey’s provocations as no one is willing to wage a war for Cyprus’ sake.

DIKO
>>
The escalation of Turkish provocations proves how unfortified the Cypriot EEZ is.
>> Except from procedures at EU level, the government has no clear policy to deter Turkish actions.

EDEK
>>
Calls on the government to make use of its right to veto to block any upgrade of Turkey-EU relations.

Solidarity Movement, ELAM, Citizens’ Alliance
>>
Want the government to provide explanations if it is true Turkey stole data on block 8.

US State Department
>>
Remains deeply concerned by reports of Turkey’s drilling operations in the waters off Limassol & urges Turkish authorities to halt this provocative step.
>> The US policy on Cyprus’ EEZ is longstanding with the US recognising the right of the RoC to develop the resources in its EEZ.
>> Only the RoC can assert maritime claims from the territory of Cyprus.


Cyprus,Israel presidents satisfied by the two countries’ close relations

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

OVERVIEW

The dailies report that President Nicos Anastasiades and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin discussed the two countries’ relations on Wednesday during a meeting in Jerusalem.

The two presidents stressed the close relations between their countries and the efforts for further strengthening of ties.

Anastasiades is on a state visit to Israel to attend the fifth World Holocaust Forum on Thursday, along with other world leaders following an official invitation from the Israeli president.

Rivlin highlighted his country’s close relations with Cyprus, pointing out how it had hosted thousands of Jews after the Second World War and how it is now Israel’s favourite holiday destination. He welcomed Anastasiades saying it was always a pleasure to welcome such good friends, adding that his country was looking forward to further cooperation in the energy sector.

Anastasiades, among other things, also referred to the close and excellent relations between the two countries and the alliance they have formed which deals with the challenges faced in the region. Anastasiades reiterated no one is excluded from this alliance but those wishing to join must respect international law, human rights, independence and other countries’ sovereign rights. “Unfortunately, some of our neighbours, are trying, without showing any respect for international law, to play a bigger role than they are entitled to,” he said.

The president also met with main opposition leader Benny Gantz, the dailies report.

KEY ACTORS
Rivlin (Israel)
>>
Cyprus is a good friend of Israel.
>>
Looks forward to further cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.

Anastasiades (Cyprus)
>>
Cyprus and Israel have close & excellent relations.
>> The Cyprus-Israel alliance deals with the challenges faced in the region & no one is excluded from it but those wishing to join must respect international law, human rights, independence and other countries’ sovereign rights.
>> Feels that some neighbouring countries are trying to play a bigger role than they are entitled to in the region, disregarding  international law.


GCs behind office in Kyrenia issuing visas for Russia

Politis
Regional/International Relations

OVERVIEW

The daily, citing information, reports that an office in Kyrenia issuing visas to persons wishing to travel to Russia is controlled by a company owned by GCs.

The office in question collects the necessary documents and sends them to the Russian consulate to issue visas. This practice could even be illegal, the daily reports, since it concerns third-country nationals living illegally in the occupied areas. Τhe visas concern trips to Russia through Turkey, the daily reports.

As is the case also with the offices issuing Russian visas in the government-controlled areas, the Kyrenia office overcharges for their services with the total amount even reaching €500. The daily recalled that those wishing to travel to Russia are forced to go to a private company, which is linked with a former honorary consul of the country in Cyprus, to secure visas.

It also said that while it has first reported on complaints about this practice last October, the Russian embassy in Nicosia has done nothing to rectify the situation as regards the overcharges.


Oratorio on mothers of missing persons to be performed at invasion anniversary

Cyprus Mail
Human Rights

OVERVIEW

According to the paper, world renowned composer Marios Elia is working on an oratorio dedicated to the mothers of missing persons which will premiere on July 20 at the Presidential Palace during the annual event to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion.

The piece, ‘Ponemenes Panayies’ (Weeping Madonnas), was commissioned by the government. The composer told the Cyprus News Agency that for Cyprus as well as internationally, this concert is a historic event, “as this kind of authentic artistic aesthetic and content is presented for the first time on the island.” He also expressed hope that it would leave its mark, the daily reported.


RoC calls for help from UN, Technical Committee on Crime to locate murder suspect

Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros,
CBMs, Human Rights, Internal Security

OVERVIEW

The dailies report that authorities believe that 42-year-old Hussein Farouh from Syria believed to have murdered this week his estranged wife in their Paphos home, may have fled to the occupied areas.

Alithia, Haravgi and Phileleftheros report that the police are convinced the man has left the government-controlled areas so they have initiated contact with the UN as regards seeking the suspect in the occupied areas. The bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime has also been asked to help.


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