Front Page Headlines
Uprising
The decision by the Greek Cypriot leadership to shut down four crossing points for ‘health’ reasons caused an uprising. Peace supporting Greek Cypriots who gathered at Ledra Street broke down the police barriers. They joined Turkish Cypriots in the buffer zone chanting the slogan “Peace cannot be prevented in Cyprus”.
- Chaos at crossings
Not enough to say ‘we have closed it’
People reacted to the Greek Cypriot side’s decision to unilaterally close four crossing points as a precaution for coronavirus. A protest was held at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing. Protestors broke down the barriers. There was a scuffle between the Greek Cypriot police and the protestors.
- Turkey opened its borders, migrants arrived in the TRNC with the hope of going to the south.
- Akıncı: “We will get crushed under the table the moment we ask for negotiating a two-state model.”
- Erhürman: “The goal is to convene the five-party conference immediately after the elections.”
Tension at the crossing point
The Greek Cypriot administration closed down the Lokmacı (Ledra), Derinya (Dheryneia), Bostancı (Astromeritis) and Aplıç (Apliki) crossing points. Protests were held on both sides of the Lokmacı (Ledra) crossing. There was also chaos at Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point.
- “We have escaped from death in Syria” – 13 Syrian migrants, whom one is a woman and two are children, begged the Famagusta court not to be deported back to Syria. They had come from Mersin, Turkey, to arrive at Dipkarpaz (Risokarpaso).
“We will bring down the barricades”
UniteCyprusNow (UCN) organised a demonstration to protest the Greek Cypriot administration’s decision to close down four crossing points as a precautionary measure for coronavirus. Greek Cypriot protestors, who had a scuffle with the Greek Cypriot police, broke down the barriers.
- Akıncı: “No one has the right to make people suffer like this” – There was chaos at Metehan (Agios Dhometios). People had to wait for hours to cross to the north.
- Attempting to flee from the war – 13 Syrian migrants arrived at Dipkarpaz (Risokarpaso) in a speed boat. There are a woman and two children among the migrants.
Unacceptable
The one-sided decision by the Greek Cypriot Administration to shut down the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point hit businesses from day one. The Arasta shopping street was empty. Shopkeepers are upset.
- “Open the crossing points immediately – A group of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots staged a protest at Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point. Scuffles took place between the protestors and Greek Cypriot police.
- No basis – President Mustafa Akıncı said it was wrong to shut down the crossing points.
- It has become torture – Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay called on Greek Cypriot authorities to review the decision to keep the crossing points closed.
- EU’s disgrace – New practice by Greek Cypriot police jams traffic at Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point.
Uprising at checkpoint
The decision by the Greek Cypriot administration to unilaterally shut down crossing points due to the virus stirred strong reactions. Protestors at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point broke down the barriers and crossed into the buffer zone.
- Akıncı: Unilateral decision not convincing
- Reactions in the South. The period the crossing points shut down will remain shut will be extended.
Main News
Checkpoints closing sparks protests & reactions on both sides
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
The decision by Greek Cypriot authorities to shut down four crossings to the north early Saturday for a week sparked protests and reactions on both sides of the divide, Turkish Cypriot dailies reported on Sunday.
Queues at checkpoints that are still open saw increased traffic and delays due to health screenings, particularly at Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point.
Yenidüzen reported that people stuck in long queues at the checkpoints expressed their anger through posts on social media.
Many complained that the decision to shut down the four crossing points, despite being a temporary measure, was a serious attempt to restrict their rights.
Several protesters at the pedestrian Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point barged through police barricades and crossed to the north despite efforts by police to stop them.
Some 200 people began protesting there around midday.
The scuffles between authorities and protesters broke out around lunchtime at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) checkpoint.
Scores of people gathered at noon on both sides of the divide to protest.
They held placards saying ‘Enough’ and chanted reunification slogans.
Tensions rose as some protesters on the south side of the crossing pushed against the police barricades and shoved their way through officers who attempted to stop them from crossing to the north.
They made their way into the buffer zone where they were joined by demonstrators from the Turkish Cypriot side.
They said the coronavirus was being used as an excuse to close the checkpoints and prevent free movement on the island.
The protest was also attended by the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and presidential candidate Tufan Erhürman.
He said: “Coronavirus risk is valid for both communities. However, there is a common health committee to decide on this issue. It is necessary to produce a solution together.”
Announcing the protest on social media, bicommunal NGO #UniteCyprusNow described the Greek Cypriot side’s decision to temporarily close four out of seven checkpoints as “an insult to our intelligence”.
Greek Cypriot police placed the barricades back in place after the demonstration disbanded around 2 pm.
Meanwhile, President Mustafa Akıncı reiterated his opposition to the decision to shut the four crossing points.
In a written statement on Saturday, Akıncı said that the decision had no scientific basis and the reasons provided were not convincing.
Akıncı reminded that agreement had been reached during the meeting on February 3 of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Health, in which he and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades had participated, that measures would be taken at the ports of entry into the island and not at the crossings
He added that the technical committee had met for a second time on February 20 during which it had been agreed to step up efforts to inform people on both sides of the divide about the virus.
Akıncı said that he had told the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades during the telephone conversation that he was against the decision to shut down the four crossing points in question.
“I would like to use this opportunity once again to repeat that this decision which has no scientific basis is wrong. Not only is this decision unscientific but the reasons on which it was taken are not convincing,” he added.
Akıncı pointed out that he had found the opportunity to reassess the situation at a meeting he held on Friday with Turkish Cypriot members of the bicommunal committee.
He expressed disappointment over the Greek Cypriot leadership’s decision to proceed on the matter unilaterally even though initial steps against the virus had been taken jointly and that it was still possible to work together on this issue.
“It emerged that even the Greek Cypriot members of the committee were not made aware of the decision,” he said.
Akıncı expressed the view that the bicommunal health committee should convene as soon as possible to evaluate the situation.
He argued that it was important for the Greek Cypriot side to act together with the Turkish Cypriot side to gain a culture of joint action and to demonstrate the skill and capability of acting together on joint problems.
“To act otherwise only creates the perception that there were other motives behind the decision which will serve no positive interest,” he concluded.
Later in the afternoon, Akıncı visited the Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point to inspect the situation.
Posting on social media after his visit, Akıncu said that he had a further conversation with Anastasiades about the situation the closure has caused at Metehan (Agios Dhometios), where long queues were waiting to cross in both directions.
He wrote on Facebook that in his telephone conversation with Anastasiades he had referred to the “chaotic” situation created at the crossing point, which he said added equivalent to “torture” and had nothing to do with the coronavirus.
“I said the virus is an issue for both communities and this must stop as soon as possible,” Akıncı said.
He said that Anastasiades had then called him back and said they would be removing the procedure of checking the IDs for all those returning to the north.
“This, of course, is one step in the right direction and the correction of the mistake on this issue is a good development. I hope the mistake of closing four crossing points will also be corrected soon,” he added.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar on Saturday described the decision to shut down the four crossing points as the latest in a series of disrespectful acts against Turkish Cypriot by the Greek Cypriots.
He called on the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to evaluate the Greek Cypriot side’s actions well and to put an end to the disrespectful actions against Turkish Cypriots.
Tatar added that just as the four crossing points in question had been opened with the consent of the two sides, any decision to shut them down also should have been taken jointly.
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay on Saturday also said that the excuse provided by the Greek Cypriot leadership to shut down the crossing points was not convincing.
In a post on social media, Özersay said that the move was causing torture for both communities.
He added that the Greek Cypriot leadership had other motives behind the decision.
Özersay also pointed out that the latest decision by Turkey to allow migrants to pass through to Europe had not caused an influx of migrants in Cyprus.
“If this is the reason why the Greek Cypriot leadership shut down the crossing point then it should review its decision,” he said.
Özersay also pointed out that it was obvious the Greek Cypriot leadership was unhappy with the increase in the number of Greek Cypriots crossing over to the north to shop.
“Many business owners and shopkeepers contacted us today expressing their reactions and concerns. The growing economic activity between the two communities is quite important in terms of improving relations between the two communities. The Greek Cypriot side needs to revisit the idea of opening up the remaining crossing points before the end of the week. It will not be able to keep up these irrational actions for too long,” he added
The leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit on Saturday said that the decision was a big mistake.
He added that the excuses put forward were not convincing as it was meaningless to keep some crossing points open and others closed.
In the meantime, shopkeepers in the Arasta shopping area which is located next to the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing are unhappy with the decision.
Shopkeepers, speaking to Yenidüzen and Diyalog complained that business will come to a standstill as a result of the move.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> Decision to shut crossings unscientific & reasons provided are not convincing.
>> GC leadership’s decision disappointing after initial steps had been taken jointly. Possible to work together on this issue.
>> Bicommunal committee on health should convene as soon as possible to evaluate the situation.
>> Important for TCs & GCs to act together to create a culture of joint action & to demonstrate skill & capability of acting together on joint problems.
>> Acting otherwise creates the perception that there are other motives behind the decision. This will serve no positive interest.
>> Chaotic situation created at Metehan (Agios Dhometios) equivalent to “torture” & had nothing to do with the coronavirus.
>> The virus is an issue for both communities & this must stop as soon as possible.
>> Decision to end the practice of checking IDs of everyone crossing north is a step in the right direction & the correction of the mistake on this issue is a good development.
>> I hope the mistake of closing four crossing points will also be corrected soon.
Erhürman (CTP)
>> Coronavirus risk is valid for both communities.
>> There is a common health committee to decide on this issue. It is necessary to produce the solution together.
Tatar (UBP)
>> Decision to shut down crossings latest in a series of disrespectful acts against TCs by GCs.
>> The UN & EU should evaluate the GC side’s actions well & put an end to the disrespectful actions against TCs.
>> Any decision to shut down crossings should be taken jointly just as the decision to open them were taken jointly.
Özersay (HP)
>> Excuse given to shut down crossings not convincing.
>> Move is causing torture for both communities.
>> GC side has other motives for shutting down crossings.
>> Motives may include preventing migrants or to discourage GCs from shopping in the north.
>> The growing economic activity between the two communities is quite important in terms of improving relations between the two communities.
>> The GC side needs revisit the idea of opening up the remaining crossing points before the end of the week.
>> GC side will not be able to keep up these irrational actions for too long.
“A results-oriented five-party conference is expected at least,” CTP leader says
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
“A results-oriented five-party conference is our minimum expectation,” Tufan Erhürman said on Saturday.
Erhürman, speaking during a campaign event titled “Meeting with the Youth” organised by the Youth Branch of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that years had been wasted in the negotiations processes only to return to where the two sides started.
“We do not want to live through the same process again, therefore, we have to prepare well for the five-party in advance and to take part to achieve a positive result,” the CTP leader added.
He reiterated his known viewpoint that the president-elect needed to do more than sit in his office in Nicosia, and to adopt a more active stance that would open the way for the Turkish Cypriot community.
“We have to work on creating a self-sufficient economy in the north in the event efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement fail. It is the president-elect’s responsibility to work towards the implementation of the direct trade regulation and the development of the Green Line Trade regulation as well as taking on the initiatives on direct flights and the international representation of the Turkish Cypriots,” Erhürman concluded.
In the meantime, Akıncı warned on Saturday that Turkish Cypriots will pay a heavy price at the negotiations table should it ask to negotiate for a two-state solution instead of a federation.
According to a press release from his campaign office, Akıncı said the failed process in Crans Montana was revived with the Berlin trilateral meeting.
“The Berlin trilateral removed all ambiguities in the process and a historical opportunity for a solution will come knocking on our door again after the elections,” Akıncı stressed.
He noted that the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) is determined to resume the process following a preparation process with the relevant sides and the guarantor nations.
KEY ACTORS
Erhürman (CTP)
>> A results-oriented five-party conference is TCs’ minimum expectation.
>> The TC side must prepare well for the five-party in advance & attend the meeting to achieve a positive result.
>> The president-elect must take necessary steps that will open the way for the TC community.
>> TCs have to work on creating a self-sufficient economy in the north in the event efforts to reach comprehensive settlement fail.
>> President-elect must work towards the implementation of the Direct Trade & Green Line regulations & must take on the initiatives on direct flights and the int’l representation of the TCs.
Akıncı
>> TCs will pay the price if they insist on negotiating a two-state solution rather than a federation.
>> The failed process in Crans Montana was revived with the Berlin trilateral meeting.
>> Berlin trilateral removed all ambiguity concerning the process & a historical opportunity for a solution will emerge after the election.
Brexit will not change the existing relations
Yenidüzen
EU Matters, Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“Brexit will neither have a positive nor a negative impact on Britain’s relations with the Turkish Cypriots as Brexit does not have anything to do with Turkish Cypriots,” British High Commissioner to Cyprus Stephan Lillie said in an interview published in Yenidüzen on Sunday.
Lillie noted that the UK has had good relations with the Turkish Cypriot community but that Brexit could not be linked with direct flights or with direct trade.
“Direct flights, for example, has never been an issue concerning the European Union (EU). It is an issue which concerns the Montreal Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” Lillie pointed out, adding that no other country other than Turkey flew to the north.
On the issue of the possibility of direct trade, the High Commissioner noted that the north does not have any trade agreements with any country including Turkey. “How realistic do you think it would be for the UK to sign such an agreement with Turkish Cypriots while such an agreement does not even exist between the north and Turkey?” Lillie asked.
Asked to comment on Prime Minister Ersin Tatar’s “request from the British government to support a two-state solution on the island,” Lillie said, “I do not know why anyone would think that the British government would change its position on the Cyprus issue following the Brexit process.”
He added, “on the contrary, the UK supports a bicommunal, bizonal federation (BFF) based on political equality within the framework of United Nations (UN) resolutions.”
He also noted that the two-state model was attempted in 1983 with the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) of the TRNC, which since has not been successful.
Lillie, responding to a question on what to expect on the island following the elections in the north, said: “We hope for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island.”
The High Commissioner added that for Cyprus to capitalize on its economic potential, the island needs to be reunified.
He pointed to the five-party conference and noted that following the elections in the north, the British government expects that the five-party conference to convene.
Lillie, on the security and guarantees chapter, said the British government had not changed its position on the issue since Crans Montana.
“If the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities can agree on the changes to the Treat of Guarantees, we are also ready to support his change. We will welcome those changes because the UK does not have a selfish attitude on the issue to keep guarantees treaty as it is,” Lillie stressed.
Lillie added that London also maintains its position on returning 49 per cent of the Sovereign British areas to a future united Cyprus.
Asked about the hydrocarbons issue, Lillie said the natural gas definitely added a layer of complication to the Cyprus issue.
“Britain’s position is very clear. We respect the hydrocarbon efforts of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) in its exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and object to Turkey’s drilling activities,” Lillie said.
He stressed: “If we may be realistic, the best way to solve the hydrocarbons issue is through solving the Cyprus problem.”
“It is possible to release the true potential of Cyprus with the solution, which will be bicommunal and bizonal federation…If the two leaders want to sit at the negotiations table for a solution, the UK and the rest of the world will support it,” Lillie concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Lillie (BHC)
>> Brexit will not have any positive or negative impact on Britain’s relations with the TCs.
>> Brexit cannot be linked with direct flights or with direct trade.
>> Direct flights is an issue related with the Montreal Convention & ICAO.
>> Not realistic to think the north would have a trade agreement with the UK when it does not have one with Turkey.
>> UK supports a BFF based on political equality within the framework of UN resolutions.
>> The two-state model was attempted in 1983 with the UDI & has not been successful.
>> UK hopes for the solution of the Cyprob & for the reunification of the island.
>> Cyprus needs to be reunified for its economic potential to be realized.
>> The UK expects that the five-party conference is called following the elections in the north.
>> If the GCs and TCs can agree on the changes to the guarantee treaty, UK is ready to comply.
>> The British government maintains its position on returning 49 per cent of the SBA to a united Cyprus.
>> The natural gas has definitely added a layer of complication to the Cyprus issue.
>> UK respects the hydrocarbon efforts of the RoC in its EEZ & objects to Turkey’s drilling activities.
>> The best way to solve the hydrocarbons issue is to solve the Cyprob.
>> The two leaders want to sit at the negotiations table, the UK & the rest of the world will support them to reach the solution.
13 Syrian migrants detained near Dipkarpaz (Risokarpaso)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Six Syrian migrants were detained by Turkish Cypriot police near Dipkarpaz (Risokarpaso) on Saturday, some dailies report.
It emerged the Syrian migrants had set sail from Turkey, arriving on the island by boat and entering the north illegally.
The Syrian migrants pleaded with the court not to be sent back to Syria. One of the migrants, during the court hearing, claimed they had been “given permission to leave Turkey” and added they wanted to go to south Cyprus.
The migrants were ordered by the court to be remanded for three days.
The police are still searching for the boat captain and his accomplice.