Front Page Headlines
A battle was won, the war is not over
Single digit number of cases allows countdown to lifting of measures to begin. President sees business associations, scientists and political leaders this week. Possible opening of airports from mid to end June, only from countries with zero cases.
- RoC condemns, EU monitors: “Yavuz” out of quarantine
We bet on naturalisations
A clear no by Interior Minister to the Commission’s request for an end to the programme. Application processing expedited to release hundreds of millions from accounts.
- Erdogan raises the temprerature: Turkey still a pirate during coronavirus with Yavuz
- Gives the killing blow: Pandemic finishes off occupied areas economy
- 21st April and the tragedy of Cyprus
Money for firefighting (went) to casino
MOKAS has no details on the case. Police asks for time to be informed. AKEL: Society demands answers.
- International law violation by Turkey
- It’s time for unity and solidarity, Akinci replies to criticisms over accepting help
- Greece in the “cast”. Seven years passed before “stars came out”. Anniversary feature
- Halloumi processes on ice. Final decisions after the crisis
Even closer to the end
We are making it: Coronavirus cases peter out. Results seen from weeks of additional efforts and astonishing level of compliance by Cypriots during critical Easter days (despite discord of some exceptions) and time to exit these challenging times approaches.
- Coronavirus preys on Turkey, but Erdogan… sent once more Yavuz and frigates to the Cypriot EEZ. Presidency follows pirate actions closely and EU monitors closely
Main News
New daily coronavirus cases in the single digits for second day in a row
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Internal Security, Human Rights, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that only five new cases of the coronavirus were detected on Monday, citing an official announcement by the Ministry for Health. Monday was the second day in a row where new cases were in the single digits.
According to the government announcement, the new cases were detected after 1,669 clinical tests. It was also announced that 9,720 out of a scheduled 20,000 tests for essential and exposed workers have been carried out since April 11.
The total number of cases in the government controlled areas has risen to 772 (including those in the Sovereign British Areas), while by Monday the total number of cases in the occupied areas had reached 109.
Politis reports that the reduction in cases increases the possibility of the government loosening some of the measures at the end of this month and of allowing some flights (from countries with zero cases) after June. University of Cyprus professor in Microbiology, Petros Karagiannis, told Politis that any loosening of measures will be gradual and could include the reopening of some services (not shops) and the increase of allowed exits for citizens to two.
In another development, Alithia reports that Morphou Bishop Neophytos criticised the measures taken by the government, comparing them to the the Turkish invasion and its side effects. The Bishop said that the coronavirus is a natural occurrence and that citizens are once more enclaved. He added that a different kind of coronavirus is the one that is imposed by humans to govern through fear.
Phileleftheros reports on the shaky economic situation of the Turkish Cypriot community. The newspaper points out that the north has been affected by Turkey’s financial situation as well as the coronavirus crisis.
The newspapers also report that T/C leader Mustafa Akinci once more defended his decision to accept protective equipment and medicine from the Republic of Cyprus. Akinci said during a T/C web TV program that this is the time for unity and solidarity. He added that the oppossition and himself were understanding of the need of the “cabinet of ministers” to take measures, but that does not mean that there cannot be suggestions.
Dailies also report on a statement by “foreign minister” Kudret Ozersay that the north will be barring entry to UNFICYP and diplomats for one more week. Ozersay noted that UNFICYP soldiers will be allowed to transfer goods to peacekeepers in the north, accompanied by T/C “police”.
RoC condemns upcoming drills by Yavuz while EU monitors situation
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Energy, External Security, Regional/ International Relations, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
All dailies report on the reaction of the Republic of Cyprus government to the announcement that Turkish research ship “Yavuz” will be drilling in an area covering parts of plots 6 and 7 of the Cypriot EEZ, which have been licenced by the RoC to Italian company ENI and French company Total.
Turkey has issued a Navtex for the affected area which will be in effect from Monday to July 18. “Yavuz” is being escorted by a Turkish frigate. No other supporting ships are accompanying “Yavuz”, though this can happen at a later stage, the dailies note.
The correspondent of the Cyprus News Agency in Istanbul reports that the the Turkish Ministry of Defence announced that Turkish drilling ships (including “Yavuz”) that are acting to protect the interests of Turkey and the “TRNC” are being supported by the country’s navy and air force.
In a statement, the Presidency points out that this is the sixth drilling announced by Turkey in the Cypriot EEZ. This move reveals Turkey’s true intentions, the Presidency adds, pointing out that the Turkish government is implementing its illegal expansionist plans in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic.
The government reiterates that according to international law only the RoC can licence companies to conduct hydrocarbon research in its EEZ.
The Presidency also points out that Turkey continues to illegaly conduct seismic surveys in the Cypriot EEZ and to militarise the seas around the island, a behaviour which threatens the peace and destabilises the region.
Dailies also report on statements made to the Cyprus News Agency by European Commission and European External Action Service spokesperson Peter Stano. Stano said that High Representative Josep Borrell is in contact with the Cypriot and Greek authorities regarding the actions of “Yavuz” and is closely monitoring the situation.
Stano added that Borrell and his team have contacted partners from other countries in the EU concerning this issue. Stano also recalled the EU’s position on Turkey’s illegal drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Politis also reports that the Cypriot government’s expectations that licenced companies would conduct nine drillings by the end of 2021 are no longer realistic, since Exxon has already postponed its work in plot 10 while Total and ENI have amended their schedule for plot 6.
The newspaper points out that Turkey does not seem to be fazed by attempts by the RoC to impose sanctions through the EU, and is using its own technological means in order to create faits accomplis in the Cypriot EEZ.
Phileleftheros evaluates Turkey’s moves in the EEZ as well as in the Aegean, as an attempt by President Tayip Erdogan to increase tensions and distract from the coronavirus situation inside the country.
KEY ACTORS
Turkish defence ministry
>> All drilling ships acting to protect interests of Turkey and TRNC are being supported militarily by navy and air force
RoC Presidency
>> This is the sixth drilling announced by Turkey in the Cypriot EEZ, a move which reveals the country’s true intentions
>> Turkey is implementing illegal expansionists plans in the midst of a global pandemic
>> The RoC is the only authority that can licence exploration in its EEZ
>> Turkey’s behaviour threatens peace and destabilises the region
Stano (Commission spokesperson)
>> EU High Representative Josep Borrell and his team are in constant contact with Cypriot and Greek governments
>> Borrell also in contact with partners in other members states
>> EU reiterates its position on Turkey’s actions in the Eastern Mediterranean