Front Page Headlines
‘Behave or see new lockdown’
Authorities issue warning as easing of restrictions sees return to work.
Everything fluid in the world economy
Attempts to maintain good image of Cyprus internationally as a safe destination to save what can be saved of the tourist season. New EU meeting for the restructuring fund and the climate of Turkish exercises in the Cypriot EEZ. 6% to 12% recession in the EU, the factors that define tourist traffic, Erdogan’s three economic wounds, the threat of recession and the optimistic message of medicine. Why the importance of good international image is connected with the economy. The utilisation of EU funds and the facilitation of tertiary education. How Turkey establishes itself in Syria and the problem in Libya.
- Greco-Turkish (relations): Hitler’s “living space” and Erdogan’s “blue homeland”
- BBF structures: How would police and army look if Anan Plan was voted for?
They agree with loosening, they are afraid of spread
Poll by RetailZoom for “P”. 71% of respondents agrees with loosening measures announced by the President, while 69% takes for granted that there will be more cases. Six out of ten Cypriots agree with maintaining the measure of sending SMS for transport. On the other hand, one in four Cypriots (25%) disagrees with it. 46% believes that stance of parties in general was good or flawless. 37% or respondents believes their stance was average. 61% says yes to sending SMS. (What about) Football?
Arbitrary drillings
Intense reaction by Recep Tayip Erdogan over Merkel’s intervention for Cypriot EEZ and Aegean. Warnings and threats by Cavusoglu to the EU with migration as a weapon.
- Efi Kanner: Virus delegitimises Tayip Erdogan
- “Corona-diplomacy” the new form of propaganda
The big gaps uncovered by the pandemic
The need to strenghten the health system, the quick cleaning-up of the educational system and digital restructuring.
- Occupied areas: Tatar “government” in political dead end
- Erdogan looks for paths for communication: S-400s in the ice
Society and its needs above all
- Turkey: The rainbow was only the immediate cause
Americans found the medicine against the coronavirus
Hopes for treatment for deadly virus. Europe against coronavirus: Donors’ conference tomorrow aims for 7.5 billion euros.
- Analysis: The Cyprus Problem prevents the colossuses – Italians: Solution of Cyprus Problem and cooperation with Turkey a prerequisite
Main News
Coronavirus slows down as Cyprus prepares to loosen measures
Alithia, Haravgi, Kathimerini, Phileleftheros, Politis
Internal Security, Human Rights, Negotiations Process, CBMs
Only 7 new cases were detected on Saturday, the newspapers report on Sunday, one day before the government-controlled areas were to enter the first phase of loosening of measures.
According to the daily announcement from the Health Ministry, the 7 cases were detected after a total of 1,731 tests. The total of cases in the government controlled areas has reached 864.
On Saturday no new cases were reported in the occupied areas. Cases in the occupied areas remain at 108.
The dailies also report that the Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to a proposal by the Health Ministry for all workers in retail and construction sites to be tested. The tests will begin on Monday May 4th and continue all the way to May 25th.
The Interior Minister Nicos Nouris expressed concerns on Twitter over the number of people that went out for a stroll on Saturday, and noted that good trends could be reversed if citizens don’t follow guidelines.
The loosening of measures includes the increase of daily exits from home (to be regulated through SMS) to three. Also, the nightly curfew will start at 10pm instead of 9pm. Walkways in parks will reopen, while churches and other temples and establishments for religious practice will be open with the caveat that no more than 10 people can enter.
In an analysis, Politis notes that party politics have been upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and that the political agenda has completely changed. Despite the fact that before the pandemic the opposition had the government cornered on a lot of issues, President Anastasiades has now seen his approval ratings skyrocket. The analysis adds that before the pandemic political parties were gathering funds for their campaigns ahead of the 2021 legislative elections, but now they struggle to maintain liquidity.
Regarding the Cyprus Problem, Politis points out that any hope for future developments, initially expected to take place after the T/C elections, are now on ice. Government sources told the paper that public opinion seems to be approving of the temportary shutdown of four checkpoints, citing internal polling.
In an analysis published in several newspapers, former President Yiorgos Vassiliou points out that the situation in Cyprus will probably be even more difficult in 2021 on all fronts, despite the government’s instant reaction and its adherence to scientific guidance.
Vassiliou writes that uncertainty has increased regarding the future of the country’s hydrocarbons exploration programme, and that tourism is going to be seriously hit this year as well as the next. He also points out that Cyprus might not see a rebound in the economy next year as many expect.
Both Kathimerini and Politis report on the difficult financial and political situation in the occupied areas. Politis reports that the “government” of Ersin Tatar had based all its hopes for help on Turkey, which led to an economic crisis since Ankara does not seem ready to contribute. Politis points out that Tatar is widely criticised and that he was questioned in “parliament” over when Turkey would send funds to assist the Turkish Cypriot economy.
Kathimerini alsoreports that the future of the current “government” coalition in the north and that the T/C right is considering proposing a presidential system for the north, similar to the one in Turkey, in order to break the impasse between successive T/C leaders and “governments”.
Politis also notes that the closure of the checkpoints has negatively impacted the economy of the north, since it wiped out business brought by Greek Cyprios as well as tourism. Business circles are pressing the T/C “government” to open the checkpoints as soon as possible.
Phileleftheros also reports on the economic situation in the north, citing a statement made by T/C “foreign minister” Kudret Ozersay who asked those critical of the “government” if what they want is help from the Greek Cypriots.
Turkey reported to ignore Germany’s call to de-escalate in Cypriot EEZ
Phileleftheros
Energy, External Security, Regional/ International Relations, EU Matters
Phileleftheros reports, citing sources, that German chancellor Angela Merkel recently spoke with Turkish President Tayip Erdogan over the phone. According to the report, Erdogan calld Merkel in order to discuss Turkey – EU relations, including the Turkish request for the end of visa requirements for the country’s citizens.
According to the newspaper’s sources, Merkel replied that it would be difficult to discuss such issues because of Turkey’s behaviour in the Cypriot EEZ and the Aegean.
Erdogan reportedly replied by pointing out that Turkey has rights in the region and that the country is not prepared to give those rights up to Greece and the Greek Cypriots. He is reported to have added that Turkey is drilling in areas claimed by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
The newspaper also reports, again citing sources, on a telephone discussion between EU High Commissioner for External Relations Josep Borrell and Turkish Foreign Minister Meclut Cavusoglu. Cavusoglu is reported to have replied to mentions of the situation in the Cypriot EEZ and the Aegean by bringing up Turkey’s rolle in managing migration flows to Europe.
In an analysis Phileleftheros also reports on Turkey’s usage of the coronavirus pandemic as a foreign policy tool. Ankara is reported to be aiming to improve relations with EU members states, the US and other countries through sending assistance, and that this approach is especially focused on the countries of the Western Balkans. The newspaper connects these efforts with Turkey’s internal politics and ruling party AKP’s effort to project a strong image to public opinion.
In an interview with Phileleftheros, academic Efi Kanner from Athens University posits that Turkey is facing a social crisis since the coronavirus pandemic has limited AKP’s ability to combat extreme poverty. Kanner notes that the Turkish government was late to react to the pandemic due to its need to keep the economy open. However this situation has brought additional pressure on the poorer sections of the population.