Front Page Headlines
Unburied in London due to the pandemic
Four Cypriots who died of coronavirus cannot be brought to Cyprus. They cannot be embalmed because their coffins are sealed for the non-spread of the virus. The only solution is cremating the bodies and bring home their ashes for burial.
- Chase at a monastery (of people who violated the no gathering to churches rule)
- Alecos Markides ‘has departed’ – Dignified until the end.
- Hope from Sweden (as regards tourist arrivals)
Ankara’s diplomatic pandemic
Turkey attacked France over criticism of her provocations. US-Russia support the Republic of Cyprus’ sovereign rights.
- (Health minister) “I hope all measures will be lifted in two to three months”
- Alecos Markides died at 77 – He left his indelible mark on politics and legal affairs.
- Hide and seek between faithful and police officers in Erimi – They hid in monks’ cells.
Restart of hospitals with shortages
Outpatient care clinics are opening again while the suspension of surgeries continues at the moment except urgent cases where patients’ lives are in danger. State hospitals will soon be open to the wider public but there are serious shortages, mainly in staff.
- Turkish provocations are illegal and unacceptable – Calls for peaceful resolution of differences.
- It is the duty of all peoples of the world keep the memory of the Armenian genocide alive
- Former Attorney-general Alecos Markides died at 77
- Wretched hygiene conditions for refugees
‘Learn to live with Covid-19’
Months until measures fully lifted, waiting for vaccine, says health minister
- Former AG Alecos Markides dies at age 77
Danger alert by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
WHO warns ahead of coronavirus measure relaxations in various countries: Complacency is our worst enemy. Fears for ‘second waves’ in all countries. The nightmare is back in China, as 11 million people are back in quarantine in Harbin.
- 175 migrants want to cross to the free areas from the occupied areas
- Alecos Markides: Free spirit, great lawyer, bold politician
- Ray of hope: Five new cases in Cyprus among 2,322 lab tests
- Cabinet: Additional measures to support workers, vouchers to tourists who have pre-booked their holidays
Main News
Anastasiades brings up Turkish provocations at EU leaders’ tele-summit
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
President Nicos Anastasiades brought up the issue of Turkey’s actions in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ) during a teleconference on Thursday of the European Council while the US and Russia expressed their support against Ankara’s intentions to drill off the island, the papers report.
Cyprus Mail, Haravgi and Alithia reported that Anastasiades took the opportunity to brief EU leaders on Turkey’s latest incursion into Cyprus’ economic waters.
He noted that in the midst of a global pandemic when nations should be cooperating, Ankara is maintaining its hostile posture and taking aggressive actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey’s actions – dispatching a drillship to Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone – are in violation of international law, he added.
Politis reports that the EU leaders once more reiterated the conclusions of previous meetings on this issue. Citing sources, the paper reports, however, that even this reference by the EU leaders did not come easily since Anastasiades was the first to bring up Turkey’s stance during Thursday’s teleconference. Even for a thing such as this, effort was needed, the daily reported. The main issue discussed was how to tackle the pandemic, Politis reported.
All dailies also report that the US and Russia said they back Cyprus as regards Turkey’s actions in the region.
Citing statements to the Cyprus News Agency, the dailies report that a US Embassy spokesperson said that Washington expresses concern about Turkey’s plans to drill in the waters off Cyprus and urges Turkish authorities to halt operations in an area that Cyprus claims as its exclusive economic zone.
The spokesperson also said that the US continue to call on all parties to avoid steps that raise tensions in the region.
We continue to believe Cyprus’s oil and gas resources, like all of its resources, should be equitably shared between both communities, the spokesperson’s statement concluded.
The Russian Embassy too told CNA that it was closely following developments, and called for the “avoidance of activities that could lead to destabilisation and increase the potential of crises in the region.”
The Russian Embassy also noted “this situation reaffirms once again the need to achieve a permanent, viable and just settlement of the Cyprus problem, that will reflect the interests of Cypriots themselves as well the goal to ensure peace, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Phileleftheros, in its main item, reports that Turkey and France have engaged in a spat over developments in the Eastern Mediterranean with Ankara blaming Paris also of eroding the solution dynamics in Cyprus.
Alithia and Haravgi also report on the announcement by the Turkish foreign ministry’s spokesperson Hami Aksoy, who responded to comments by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who criticised Turkey during an interview with Le Monde.
The French minister had said that when Turkey demands solidarity, it must at the same time provide clarifications while commenting on Ankara’s demand for support by NATO.
Le Drian had mentioned that Turkey, a NATO member, chose to purchase Russian anti-aircraft systems, transports Syrians to Libya to take part in hostilities there, uses the migration issue as a subject of blackmail, and sends ships to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Aksoy said in a statement that by targeting Turkey, Le Drian was trying to cover up the desperate situation that France is facing due to the coronavirus crisis.
In fact, it is France who is supporting terrorist organisations in Syria, backing the forces against the legitimate regime in Libya, eroding the solution dynamics of the island and persistently ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and trying to implement sanctions on its ally, Turkey, he said among other things.
Phileleftheros also reports that political parties too condemned Turkey’s latest provocations.
AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou said the government’s actions to tackle Turkish provocations were at the right direction but would not solve the problem since the EU partners are not that willing to implement measures against Ankara.
He said that after the pandemic crisis is over, Anastasiades ought to take initiative aimed at the immediate restart of the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The solution is the way to solve all the other problems, he said, according to the paper.
The Citizens’ Alliance said that since Erdogan has proven he is not intimidated by empty threats, it was now time for sanctions. This is the only way to curb Ankara’s provocative and expansionist plans, the party said.
ELAM too said that the government ought to demand sanctions against Turkey and to shape a serious deterrent policy against the East Med’s pirate.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> At a time when nations should be cooperating to manage the pandemic, Ankara continues to hold a hostile posture & taking aggressive actions in the East Med.
>> The dispatch by Turkey of a drillship to Cyprus’ EEZ is in violation of international law.
USA (Embassy in Cy)
>> Washington is concerned about Turkey’s plans to drill off Cyprus.
>> Calls on Turkey to halt operations in an area that Cyprus claims as its EEZ.
>> Cyprus’s oil & gas resources, like all of its resources, should be equitably shared between both communities. All parties should avoid steps that raise tensions in the region.
Russia (Embassy in Cy)
>> Moscow is closely following developments & calls for the avoidance of activities that could lead to destabilisation and increase the potential of crises in the region.
>> Stresses the need for a permanent, viable & just settlement of the Cyprob to reflect the interests of Cypriots.
Aksoy (Turkish foreign ministry’s spokes.)
>> Accuses France of eroding the solution dynamics in Cyprus & persistently ignoring the rights of the TCs while trying to implement sanctions on its ally, Turkey.
Kyprianou (AKEL)
>> Agrees with the way the government is handling Turkey’s provocations but admits that seeking sanctions won’t work since EU partners are reluctant.
>> Calls on Anastasiades to take initiative after the pandemic crisis is over for the immediate restart of the negotiations for the Cyprob solution which is the only way to solve all other problems.
Citizens’ Alliance, ELAM
>> Call on the government to demand sanctions against Turkey, seeing it as the only way to stop Ankara’s actions in the East Med.
Anastasiades extends Ramadan wishes to TCs
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that President Nicos Anastasiades extended his wishes to TCs and the entire Muslim world on the occasion of the religious holiday of Ramadan.
In a message published also in Turkish, Anastasiades extended his “warm wishes to all our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and to the entire Muslim world.”
He added that life was not safeguarded with weapons and confrontations, but through cooperation, solidarity and joint scientific action.
“I hope that these thoughts will prevail in order to overcome the hardships that our people face as a result of the unacceptable situation that exists in our own homeland,” he said.
Anastasiades also said that this year, Christians, as well as Muslims and all humanity, irrespective of religion, origin, colour or gender, have come to realise that a pandemic, such as the one experienced today, does not choose among religions and does not discriminate among people.
Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades sent the TCs a message of solidarity and cooperation to overcome the problems faced due to the pandemic.
Parties mark rejection of Annan Plan anniversary
Phileleftheros
Governance & Power Sharing, Negotiations Process, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
The paper reports that parties mark the 16th anniversary of the ‘No’ of the GC side to the Annan Plan at the referendum that took place on April 24, 2004.
According to the paper, the ‘No’ of April 24, 2004 is a reference point for the parties of the so-called centre which had fought during that period for the rejection of the Annan Plan.
DIKO, which was ruling party at the time, said in a statement that the position of the majority of GCs rejected, not the solution of the Cyprus problem, but the catastrophic closure of the Cyprus problem which would have led to irreversible consequences.
On the guidance of Tassos Papadopoulos, GCs made clear that they could not accept a settlement to the Cyprus problem which abolishes the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), cedes sovereignty to the Turkish side, mortgages the future of Cypriot Hellenism to Turkish plans and aspirations, and legitimises and perpetuates deviations from the European acquis and European principles and values.
The party said it would carry on with its struggle until a solution proposal is secured that ensures the continuation of the RoC, is democratic, viable, lasting, and functional.
EDEK said that the historic and patriotic decision of the GCs is the best answer to proposals and solution plans that, under the misleading name of ‘bizonal, bicommunal federation’, they, in essence, lead to the abolition of the RoC.
The Citizens’ Alliance said that the ‘No’ by 76 per cent of the GCs sent out a clear message that Cyprus is not going to accept any compromises harming its interests.
ELAM said it respects the wishes of the Cypriot Hellenism as the only party that outright rejects any form of federation.
KEY ACTORS
DIKO
>> Feels justified by Papadopoulos’ call on GCs to reject the Annan Plan and thus preventing irreversible consequences such as the abolition of the RoC, ceding sovereignty to the Turkish side, putting the future of Cypriot Hellenism in the hands of Turkish plans and aspirations & legitimisation of deviations from the EU acquis, principles and values.
>> Pledges to continue struggling for a solution ensuring the continuation of the RoC & is democratic, viable, lasting, and functional.
EDEK
>> The historic and patriotic decision of the GCs is the best answer to proposals and solution plans that, under the guise of the BBF, lead to the abolition of the RoC.
Citizens’ Alliance
>> The GCs’ ‘No’ was a clear message that Cyprus is not going to accept any compromises harming its interests.
ELAM
>> Respects the wishes of the Cypriot Hellenism as the only party that outright rejects any form of federation.
Relaxations on crossings not expected anytime soon
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
Human Rights, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that the health ministry’s advisors on the coronavirus said on Thursday that crossings as well as airports will be in the last round of relaxation of measures as regards the fight against coronavirus.
Virologist Dr Leontios Kostrtikkis said that the team of experts are concerned as regards relations between the occupied areas and Turkey where coronavirus cases are on the rise while it is not certain whether Turkish authorities disclose the actual number of people with Covid-19.
For that reason, the epidemiology monitoring team, have suggested to the government to include crossings in the last round of relaxations, depending also on the situation in Turkey, he said according to the papers.
Another team member, professor of microbiology and molecular virology Dr Petros Karayiannis, also said that experts are concerned by the opening of the crossings and airports.
“I believe that restrictions at crossings will remain until all of us are done with the coronavirus,” Karayiannis said.
He also said that airports will open at a much later stage.
Cyprus Mail also reports that Unite Cyprus Now, in a written statement to mark the 17th anniversary since the opening of the crossings by the TC side on April 23, 2003, called on the two sides to reopen the crossings before opening up the island to international flights.
The group argued that the future of the crossing points is a critical moment for the future of the island and urged the two sides that now consider how to reopen public life, not to accept the Green Line as a ‘hard internal border’, and to reopen the crossing points before opening up the island to international flights.
This would allow life to return to normal for hundreds of thousands of ordinary Cypriots, they said, according to the paper.
Former AG Alecos Markides dies
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Governance & Power Sharing, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
All dailies report on the death of former Attorney-general Alecos Markides on Thursday at the age of 77 after battling with cancer.
President Nicos Anastasiades extended his condolences to Markides’ family.
“My dear friend Alecos Markides wrote his own unique story as an excellent lawyer, attorney-general, member of parliament, politician. He was characterised by his deep knowledge, diligence, and honesty, but also his fighting spirit. May the earth rest lightly on you,” Anastasiades said in a tweet.
Markides, former DISY MP 1985 until 1995, served as attorney-general from 1995 to 2003. He was also negotiator of the GC on the Cyprus problem and ran for President of the Republic in 2003, as an independent.
Phileleftheros reports that Markides left his indelible mark on the Cypriot political scene and legal affairs of the country.
The paper also quotes lawyer and former government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou saying that Markides had fervently adopted the vision of a reunited country and a common future for GCs and TCs.
Politis reports that his death has spread sorrow while also giving an account of his role in the secret consultations on the Cyprus issue in London in May 1995, at the initiative of the US government in his capacity as Attorney-general.
As close associate of Glafkos Clerides, he had a continuous and substantial participation in the processes of resolving the Cyprus issue and the talks and contacts that led to the formation of the Annan plan before its final form (Annan 5), the daily reported.
Cyprus Mail reports that Markides was pro-solution when it came to the Cyprus issue and was one of the most vocal proponents of a ‘Yes’ vote on the Annan plan during the referendum period in 2004.
Citing a previous interview with him, the daily reported that, as regards the Cyprus issue, Markides believed that a compromise solution should be sought before it was too late citing the change in demographics in the north.
Political parties, lawyers, MPs and many others expressed their sorrow for Markides’ passing, the papers report.