Front Page Headlines
11 stabs
He stalked and attacked her. Blood curling details of the murder of a woman in Kyrenia has emerged. Elif Lort who was followed by her attacker was stabbed to death 11 times as residents and bystanders watched. The attacker, Abdullah Çelik, who had killed the woman after dragging her onto the street from her hair, was caught just minutes later with the weapon in his hand.
- First coronavirus cases in Cyprus – First cases of Covid-19 detected in Cyprus. One of the cases is a 25-year-old Cypriot who recently returned from Milan Italy while the second is Chrisullis Kokkinos, a 64-year-old doctor who is chief of cardio department at the Nicosia State Hospital (south). Two tourists in the north who were quarantined have tested negative.
- Checkpoints remain closed, tensions with UN officers – A minor scuffle took place between UN officers and Turkish Cypriot police. Tensions were also experienced between the UN police and protestors who wanted to hand carnations to Greek Cypriot police but were prevented.
- ‘Human trafficking and smuggling’ becomes part of penal code – A historic day for the struggle for human rights.
Corona knocks on our door
Two individuals have been tested positive in the south following tests conducted on 50 people. The Greek Cypriot Health Ministry announced that the 25-year-old male had returned to the island from Milan on February 26. The other person tested positive is Chrysostomos Kokkinos, head of the cardiology department at the Nicosia Hospital.
- And now the UN violated the border – When the United Nations wanted to set up a barricade at the Turkish side of the crossing point, the Turkish Cypriot police pushed the UN police back to their area of jurisdiction.
Coronavirus is just beside us
Our fears have come true as the coronavirus, which has killed thousands all over the world, has arrived in Cyprus. Two individuals tested positive on the south side. The Council of Ministers convened and announced a series of decisions.
- The UN crossing the line – UN soldiers attempted to stop the protestors, who were staging their protest against the closure of the crossings at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing, where the Turkish Cypriot immigration booths are. As a result, a scuffle broke out between the UN and the Turkish Cypriot police.
- Supporting Turkey’s effective guarantees – COMAR polling company asked poll participants their views regarding Turkey’s military presence on the island and its unilateral right of intervention.
The virus did not pick any crossings
As of yesterday (Monday), two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on the south side. One of the patients came from Milan on February 26 and the other from the UK on March 3.
- Crisis desk is being set up – The Council of Ministers has decided to implement a series of decisions. In addition to urging people not to cross to the south, the council said the medical checks will be performed at crossings even if it causes delays.
- Human trafficking is a serious crime – The parliamentary assembly approved the amendments on including ‘human smuggling and trafficking’ in the penal code.
- UN forces out – The protestors who demand the opening of the crossings were stopped by UN soldiers. A short-lived scuffle broke out. UN drew a big reaction unto itself.
Curses rained
It emerged that Abdullah Çelik, who stabbed the mother of one, Elif Lort, nine times after she wanted to break up with him is not a citizen but was working at a fast-food restaurant.
- There is panic –2 cases of coronavirus confirmed among a group of 42 people under quarantine. Two suspected cases in the north tests negative. They were diagnosed with the flu. Those crossing from the south will have to fill in forms as part of precautionary measures announced by the cabinet.
- He has become the laughing stock of everyone – Anastasiades who doesn’t have enough personnel to man crossing points in Cyprus sent 21 soldiers to Greece’s border with Turkey.
- Riot police at Ledra – Greek Cypriot cabinet will be deciding on the four crossing points today (Tuesday).
Murder streamed live
The murder committed on March 8 has upset and shamed us. People close to the incident chose to film and stream the murder on their phones instead of rushing to help Elif Lort as she was brutally murdered in the middle of the street.
- Protestors were prevented by UN peacekeepers this time –the Third protest staged at Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point.
- Virus finally arrives in Cyprus – First cases of coronavirus confirmed in the south. The health ministry confirmed that a 25-year-old and 64-year-old, both Cypriots, had tested positive for the virus.
Main News
UN officers halt TC protestors in latest Lokmacı (Ledra Street) protest
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
A new protest against the closing of the crossing points was held Monday morning at Nicosia’s Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing), this time in the presence of a heavier UN police officer, as Greek Cypriot authorities announced earlier in the morning that the crossing point will remain closed another day.
It was obvious that the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) was taking no chances at the checkpoint after Saturday’s protest during which Greek Cypriot police used teargas on Turkish Cypriot demonstrators when some of them tried to break through the police line and reach the barriers.
Turkish Cypriot protesters gathered on the northern side of the crossing where they were prevented by UN personnel from entering the section of the buffer zone leading to the Greek Cypriot side of the crossing where police were lined up in anti-riot gear.
A minor scuffle broke out between UN police and Turkish Cypriot police officers who pushed UN officers back into the buffer zone, following a dispute over area of jurisdiction.
The UN officers then held the line, preventing the protestors from going ahead any further.
The protesters chanted slogans, ‘Peace in Cyprus cannot be hindered’ holding red carnations.
They wanted to pass them to the police on the south side of the crossing.
UNFICYP agreed to allow a five-member delegation to pass and deliver the flowers to the Greek Cypriot police but the demonstrators refused, saying they all wanted to go.
They said they would return on Tuesday.
Some of them, mainly youth from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) have remained there in a sitting protest reportedly saying they would not leave until the crossing points are opened.
Monday’s demonstration, which had been announced in advance, was being carried out by Turkish Cypriot groups including the bicommunal UniteCyprusNow.
A UN proposal issued to the Turkish Cypriot leadership on Monday suggested the closure of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) checkpoint from the north, as has been done by Greek Cypriot authorities, effectively forbidding the movement of civilians into the Ledra Buffer Zone.
The UN proposal was brought to light by Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay, who said that the suggestion was an attempt on the part of the UN to transmit part of the blame for “the wrong move by the Greek Cypriot leadership” to the Turkish Cypriots.
“The UN should not attempt to hide the shame of the Greek Cypriot leadership,” Özersay said in his initial reaction to the proposal posted on social media.
Speaking in parliament later in the day, Özersay slammed the UN for its proposal to shut off the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing, stating that they would not be following suit to what they believed was a mistake by the Greek Cypriot authorities to unilaterally shut the crossing points.
He also accused the UN police of trespassing into the Turkish Cypriot side, adding that Turkish Cypriot police had pushed the UN officers back.
“There actions were unacceptable,” he said.
Özersay also criticized the UN for failing to state in its official statements as to which side had closed the crossing points.
“It’s wrong that the UN has refrained from mentioning that the crossings were closed by the Greek Cypriot leadership,” he said.
Özersay argued that the decision to shut the crossing points was economically motivated.
He said that the Greek Cypriot leadership should not be allowed to hint at the possibility that all crossings may be closed on grounds that the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) is under threat on the migrant issue.
“Let’s just ask ourselves what would have been the reaction if the Turkish Cypriot side had decided to shut the crossing points on grounds that its citizens were being subjected to discrimination based on ethnic origin? We need to think about this,” he said.
Özersay also said it was wrong to link the closure of the crossing points to the Maraş (Varosha) initiative as claimed by the opposition.
“The Greek Cypriot side has been systematically trying to hurt the north’s economy for the past two years. They tried everything from discouraging tourists from crossing over to taking steps on Greek Cypriots purchasing fuel in the north,” he said.
Özersay said that the Greek Cypriot leader should not be given excuses to continue his wrongful actions.
“Rather than finding ways of criticizing ourselves we should focus on keeping the Greek Cypriot side’s wrongful actions in the spotlight. Otherwise, our accusations and political quarrelling are only handing them the excuses they are seeking,” Özersay said.
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Asım Akansoy on Monday echoed the general view in the north that the reason behind the decision to shut the crossing points was not the coronavirus measures.
Also speaking in parliament, he said that the disproportionate use of force at Saturday’s protest at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing by Greek Cypriot police gave out different messages.
Akansoy argued that the Greek Cypriot leadership had closed the crossing point in response to the government’s insistence on re-opening the fenced-off city of Maraş (Varosha) despite the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution.
“The closure has been hurting the Turkish Cypriot economy,” he added.
Akansoy stated the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades’ actions were unacceptable and that the crossing points were part of moves made towards a comprehensive settlement.
He also described the Greek Cypriot leadership’s decision to send troops to the Turkish Greek border as a provocative move.
“Given the circumstances, the president needs to declare a state-of-emergency to warn the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and Anastasiades. The foreign minister, prime minister and the president must meet to discuss this issue to bring it to the attention of the international community” Akansoy added.
The leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Arıklı on Monday criticized the government of failing to make a joint stand on the issue.
He said the political parties and government remained divided in the north while South Cyprus was united when it came to implementing policies.
Arıklı also argued that attempts made on both sides to breach the barricades were wrong.
The leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP), addressing the plenary, reminded that the crossings had been shut by the Greek Cypriot authorities even though no such recommendation had been made by the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health.
Özyiğit also argued that tighter measures were needed at ports of entry into the island.
He said that a delegation of MPs should raise this issue in Brussels.
“It is my sincere hope that the closing of the crossings does not lead to new tensions between the two communities,” Özyiğit added.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) Ersin Tatar also hit back at Akansoy’s claims that the decision to shut the crossing points was linked to the government’s Maraş (Varosha) initiative.
He added that the virus, of which no cases existed in the north, was being used as an excuse.
“The decision to shut the crossings is purely economic. Just because there has been a visible increase in people crossing north for commercial reasons. The crossings were opened during our term in office and we have never thought of shutting them,” he said.
Tatar also condemned the Greek Cypriot police’s use of force at Saturday’s protest at the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing.
Meanwhile, it was reported on Monday that Turkish Cypriot MPs Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, Erek Çağatay and Fikri Toros who are tasked with holding contacts with the European Parliament (EP) sent a letter to European Commissioner in Charge of Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira informing her about developments concerning the four crossing points shut by the Greek Cypriot side.
The letter, which was also sent to other EU officials, states that the decision to close the crossing points is in violation of the Green Line Regulation (GLR) and that the Commission in charge of the issue should urgently examine the matter.
It also pointed out that the decision has disrupted communication between the two sides and hampered efforts to reach a peaceful solution on the island.
The letter added that the EU did not have the luxury of remaining a bystander to the issue and that it needed to examine and determine whether or not the measures introduced by Greek Cypriot authorities are legal and appropriate.
It concluded by stating that the best way to deal with outbreaks was through initiatives which were the very purpose the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health was created for.
The letter also urged the EU to launch an initiative for the cancellation of the decision.
KEY ACTORS
Özersay (HP)
>> UN’s suggestion to close Lokmacı (Ledra St) crossing is an attempt to transmit part of the blame for “the wrong move by the GC leadership to the TCs.
>> The UN should not attempt to hide the shame of the GC leadership.
>> TC will not be making the same mistake as GC side in closing crossings.
>> Failure by UN to mention crossings were closed by the GC leadership disappointing.
>> The decision to shut the crossing points is economically motivated.
>> It is wrong to link the closure of the crossing points to the Maraş (Varosha) initiative. GC side has been trying for the past two years to hurt TC economy through various moves or steps.
>> GC side should not be given excuses to continue its wrongful actions. Joint stance & unity necessary.
Akansoy (CTP)
>> GC side has closed crossings in response to TC side’s Maraş (Varosha) initiative.
>> Closure has been hurting the TC economy.
>> Anastasiades’ actions are unacceptable & the crossing points are part of moves made towards a comprehensive settlement.
>> GC side’s decision to send troops to the Turkish Greek border is a provocative move.
>> A state-of-emergency needs to be declared. The issue must be raised with the EU & UN.
Arıklı (YDP)
>> Absence of joint stance on the issue.
>> Political parties & government remained divided in the north while S. Cyprus is united when implementing its policies.
>> Attempts made on both sides to breach the barricades is wrong.
Özyiğit (TDP)
>> Tighter measures are needed at ports of entry into the island.
>> The issue should be taken to Brussels.
Tatar (UBP)
>> The decision to shut the crossing points is not linked to the government’s Maraş (Varosha) initiative.
>> The decision to shut the crossings is purely economic.
>> Government has no intention of shutting crossings.
North announces new measures after two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the south
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot authorities on Monday announced a series of new measures following news of two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the south.
The measures announced following an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday night include doubling the number of health staff at crossing points and introducing at crossings the requirement to fill in an information form as is the case at all air and seaports.
All those entering the north through the crossings will also undergo screening before entry.
A decision has also been taken to set up a crisis desk and to hold an emergency meeting with Turkish officials on Tuesday to discuss assistance from Turkey which might be required in the event of a pandemic.
Other measures include extending the capacity of existing quarantine facilities and setting up new quarantine and observation facilities be set in different areas if the need arises.
The cabinet also urged all Turkish Cypriots to avoid crossing over to the south unless necessary.
It also pointed out that delays could be experienced at crossing points but that these delays were carried out for public health.
The cabinet statement also said that there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the north.
Two female tourists, aged 83 and 94, who had been placed in quarantine in the public hospital in Nicosia on Monday after displaying symptoms of the virus tested negative.
Doctors diagnosed both with the common flu.
The two confirmed cases of coronavirus in the south were announced late Monday afternoon by Greek Cypriot Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
The first is a 25-year-old from Limassol who returned from Milan on February 26 and was asked to self-isolate.
He first tested negative but remained in self-isolation and tested positive in the second test.
The second is a 64-year-old health professional from Nicosia working for the public sector who returned from the UK on March 3 and contacted authorities yesterday that he had symptoms.
The Greek Cypriot Health Ministry said that all protocols have been activated and said that efforts were focusing on tracking down all the people with whom the 64-year-old patient had come into contact since his return.
The two confirmed cases both have mild symptoms, he added.
“There is no need for panic. We need to be alert and to take the necessary precautions. All those who have travelled to countries which have confirmed cases of coronavirus and show symptoms should self-isolate.”
Ioannou said that the 64-year-old had returned to the island on March 3.
He was not screened at the airport because at the time the UK was not among the countries with a high number of confirmed cases.
Although he had symptoms from then, he only alerted authorities on Sunday and underwent a test.
He had meanwhile been going to work and authorities need now track down all the people he came into contact with.
Leader of the CTP, Tufan Erhürman on Monday highlighted the need for the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health to take joint decisions against coronavirus.
In a post on social media following news of the two confirmed cases of the virus in the south, Erhürman said that any decision to be produced and implemented needed to be in line scientific approaches agreed upon by scientists from both communities, unlike the arbitrary decision to temporarily shut the four crossing points.
Also commenting on the issue, Mehmet Harmancı, Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality (LTB), said the municipality will be stepping up its measures given the escalating risk of coronavirus.
“In addition to all the disinfection efforts in all public areas, the LTB will suspend all other events organized for the general public such as concerts,” Harmancı said.
He added that the coronavirus threat will be tabled at a meeting at the municipality and the LTB will implement the necessary preventive measures upon recommendations from the experts.
COMAR: Turkey’s guarantees favoured by poll participants
Kıbrıs
External Security, Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
“87.8 per cent of the poll participants support the continuation of Turkey’s military presence on the island and the system of guarantees,” Kıbrıs reported on Tuesday.
The COMAR poll, which was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 2249 participants between February 29 and March 2, also revealed that 29.3 per cent of the participants are in favour of a bicommunal, bizonal federal (BBF) solution, whereas 25.7 per cent support a confederal model based on two separate states.
16.9 per cent support the idea of political recognition for the TRNC. There is also a 14.7 per cent who support annexation by Turkey.
Nonetheless, when asked to evaluate President Mustafa Akıncı’s remarks on annexation to Turkey, 58 per cent of the respondents said they disapproved of his remarks compared to a 24.2 per cent in favour.
The participants were also asked to evaluate Akıncı’s performance in office.
According to the poll results, 18 per cent of the participants find the president successful in the negotiations process whereas 20.7 per cent said he was unsuccessful.
54.7 per cent of the participants said they do not have any idea on the issue.
55 per cent of the poll participants found Akıncı unsuccessful in representing the Turkish Cypriots at international platforms compared to 19.8 per cent who found him to be successful.
65.8 per cent of the participants found the president unsuccessful in efforts to lift the embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots compared to 10 per cent who found him to be successful.
Asked to respond to questions on their expectations from a president, 27.8 per cent of the respondents said they want the president to be “honest and fair;”
22.4 per cent said the president must defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, and 21.7 per cent said the president must maintain good relations with Turkey.
Our priority is the solution of the Cyprus problem
Yenidüzen
Negotiations Process, Governance and Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
“Our priority will be the solution of the Cyprus problem,” CTP leader and presidential candidate Tufan Erhürman on Monday.
Addressing a meeting with a group of academics as part of his election campaign, Erhürman emphasized the importance of preparing well for the five-party conference, which will be convened following the elections in the north.
Erhürman said the Office of the President must take the necessary steps to improve the lives of the Turkish Cypriots should attempt to reach a federal solution despite the Turkish Cypriot side’s efforts fail.
Touching on the relations with Turkey, Erhürman highlighted that the Office of the Presidency must take the lead in establishing a dialogue with Turkey.
Meanwhile, incumbent President and independent candidate Mustafa Akıncı said he will continue to advocate for freedoms and rights in the domestic arena while displaying a determined stance on the Turkish Cypriots’ rights in the Cyprus negotiations process.
According to information released by Akıncı’s campaign office, he met with a group of CSOs on Monday.
Akıncı said he will continue to work towards solving the Cyprus problem to create an environment in which the two communities will live in equality, freedom and security.
“A new opportunity for the solution of the Cyprus Problem will emerge following the elections…Cypriots will either agree to share power, natural resources and the future or partition will become stronger and will be permanent,” Akıncı warned.
Regarding the domestic issues, Akıncı said he will continue to defend and advocate for all rights and freedoms but primarily for women’s and children’s rights. He gave the example of a book titled “I know my rights” published by the office of the presidency and distributed to all the schools in the north.
He emphasized the importance of civil society participation both in the time leading to the elections and in the post-election period.
KEY ACTORS
Erhürman (CTP)
>> CTP’s priority will be the solution of the Cyprob.
>> Important to prepare well for the five-party conference.
>> The Office of the President must take the necessary steps to improve the lives of the TCs if efforts to find a solution fail.
>> The Office of the President must take the lead in establishing a dialogue with Turkey.
Akıncı
>> Will continue to work towards solving the Cyprob to create an environment in which the two communities will live in equality, freedom & security.
>> Display a determined stance on the TCs’ rights in the Cyprus negotiations process.
>> Cypriots will either agree to share power, natural resources & the future or partition will become stronger & permanent.
>> Will continue to defend and advocate for all rights and freedoms but primarily for women’s & children’s rights.
>> Civil society participation is important.
‘Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking’ categorised as a serious crime
Yenidüzen
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
“Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking” are now both categorized as serious crimes under the Turkish Cypriot penal code, Yenidüzen reports on Tuesday.
The amendment to the existing penal code, which aims to introduce heavy penalties to those who are convicted of these crimes, was approved by the Turkish Cypriot parliament on Tuesday.
The amendments also the decriminalisation of attempting suicide and criminalisation of “hate speech” towards gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual preferences.
Speaking during the plenary on Tuesday, CTP MP Doğuş Derya, who had drafted the amendments together with other CTP MPs Fazilet Özdenefe and Sıla Usar İncirli said, “This is a historical day!”
Stressing the importance of the amendments into the penal code, Derya also expressed her gratitude to other MPs for their efforts.