Front Page Headlines
‘Oppressive and racist attitude’
Turkish Cypriots living in Pile (Pyla) at the Beyarmudu (Pergamos) crossing point were tense again. The conditions required for Turkish Cypriots living in Pile (Pyla) wanting to cross drew reaction. The requirement for Turkish Cypriots living in the mixed village to download a tracking app was cancelled following the reactions. The condition that those crossing will have to refrain from making contact with Greek Cypriots has been described as oppressive and racist. 65 Turkish Cypriots underwent PCR testing at the Beyarmudu (Pergamos) crossing point. According to the results, 60 of them will be allowed to cross north.
- Bicommunal Health Committee: “Epidemiological data on both sides scientifically similar, possible to gradually remove restrictions”
Ceased Print/Online Only
Labour force is in the black-market
Construction sector workers, who had returned to their countries before the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, are now not able to return as the sea and airports remain closed. The sector is now suffering from a lack of labour force. The few workers in the north seized the opportunity to raise their fees and have started to negotiate for better salaries with the companies. Cafer Gürcafer, head of the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors’ Association (KTIMB) said the low numbers of workers prevent the construction work from progressing. “The workers are in the black-market now and the few remaining ones in the north have increased their prices,” Gürcafer said. Osman Amca, head of the Turkish Cypriot Contractors’ Association, said: “We have asked the workers employed in the south to work in the constructions in the north but they have rejected our proposal.”
- “I will not take a step without being authorized by the people” – President Mustafa Akıncı said. He added when the world is preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic and that it was unlikely to expect any developments on the Cyprus issue in the near future.
- Thousands of trees burned – The fire in a forest area near the Aplıç (Apliki) crossing in Lefke (Lefka) spread from the north to the south rapidly due to winds. Firefighters, police and military personnel from the north, five fire-fighting planes and ten fire engines from the south worked to put out the fire. It is believed 10,000 trees burned to ash.
- Molotov attack on the mosque in Limassol – Turkish Cypriot authorities condemned the attack on the Köprülü Mosque in Limassol and demanded the perpetrators to be found.
The state disregarded sex
In line with the cabinet decisions to relax the Covid-19 measures, efforts were launched to reopen the night clubs, even though they were not included among the businesses to reopen on 1 June. The nightclubs, which the state officially denies offer prostitution services, will be reopened. The nightclub workers and the hostesses were subjected to PCR testing twice. Even though the nightclubs are given the message they can resume their work from June 1 onwards, it is still unclear how the hostesses will adhere to social distancing and hygiene rules. Havadis spoke to some of the nightclub workers. They said they are waiting for instructions from the health ministry.
- The protocol polemics in the parliament – During the parliamentary assembly yesterday (Monday), the opposition criticised the protocol agreement. Prime Minister Ersin Tatar lashed out at the opposition and urged them to be “fair and balanced in politics.”
- The Köprülü Mosque was targeted again – The Molotov cocktail attack on the mosque was detected early and the fire was put out quickly.
- The latest situation: North 108 cases, four deaths; South 949 cases, 24 deaths; Turkey 164,769 cases, 4,563 deaths.
It’s never been this bad
The old harbour in the tourism city of Kyrenia yearns for its old days. The restaurants at the harbour are waiting for the arrival of tourists. The restaurants have opened but there are no customers. The historical harbour is perhaps experiencing its quietest days since 1974. Business owners in the area told Diyalog that life will not return to normal if there is no tourism.
- They fought from the air, we from the ground – Greek Cypriots used three helicopters and two planes to battle flames from a fire which broke out near Aplıç (Apliki) and spread to the south.
Pile (Pyla) residents being tracked
The TRNC officials did not refrain from implementing a fascist measure. The Turkish Cypriot residents of Pile (Pyla) were granted permission to cross into the north under very strict rules. Their every step will be tracked. They were asked to download a tracking app on to their mobile phones in order so that those who cross into the north could be closely monitored. The Turkish Cypriot mukhtar of the mixed-village, who informed the residents about the measures, also told them that the residents will have to sign a declaration promising not to go to the south and refraining from contacting Greek Cypriots.
- The crossings must immediately be opened – Head of Turkish Cypriot Teachers Union (KTÖS) Şener Elcil said: “The two sides should have developed a joint struggle against the pandemic.”
- Five positive cases in the south – Five new cases identified in the 1504 tests carried out in the south. 541 tests were administered in the north but no positive cases were found.
- The unemployment payment cannot be reduced – The Road to Independence staged a protest.
- Three Molotov cocktails were thrown to the Köprülü Mosque in Limassol.
Main News
New developments unlikely on Cyprob in near future, says Akıncı
Kıbrıs
Internal Security, Negotiations Process, Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“I will not take a step forward on the Cyprus issue without being authorized by the people,” President Mustafa Akıncı said in an interview with Kıbrıs.
Akıncı, in his interview published on Tuesday, said that it was unrealistic to expect any new developments on the Cyprus Problem soon as the world was preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic.
“If I am elected, I will of course work towards the solution of the Cyprus problem with all my strength because I believe what we have experienced recently, has shown us that a solution on the island is more important than ever,” Akıncı said.
Akıncı pointed out that it had been more than 50 years since the first talks had started between the two communities.
“The efforts to find a solution must continue as long as the problem remains unsolved. However there is another reality and that is as time passes, a partition becomes more permanent and the two communities continue to drift apart,” Akıncı stressed.
Akıncı said the keyword in the negotiations process was “mutually acceptable.”
“Even though all sides understand what a mutually acceptable means it has not been possible to display the necessary determination and the political will to achieve the solution all these years,” Akıncı said.
He expressed the belief that once the pandemic is over, the efforts to find the desired solution on the island will resume.
“The opportunity for a solution will resurface with the efforts of the two sides and the United Nations Secretary-General’s contributions,” Akıncı said, expressing the hope that the two communities will embrace the opportunity when the time comes to reach a settlement.
“We will either head towards a European, bicommunal, bizonal federal structure (BBF) based on the political equality of the two constituent states to live in equality, freedom and security or we will witness the permanent partition of the island in a not so distant future,” he stressed.
Responding to a question on the reopening of the crossing points, Akıncı expressed the belief that the crossings could be reopened gradually in line with the decreasing trend on both sides.
He reminded that an agreement had been reached in principle to allow, the people employed, studying or receiving medical treatment in the south to cross as of June 8.
“The scientific data on the pandemic shows that the crossings can also be normalised,” Akıncı said.
He added that as and when crossings begin, people on both sides will need to adhere to basic hygiene and social distancing rules when crossing.
Asked whether or not the Covid-19 process will distance the two communities, Akıncı noted the pandemic has pushed the Cyprus problem in the background.
“Both sides and communities must overcome their problems in peaceful ways through dialogue…The communities in Cyprus, therefore, must come together and stand together against the common threat of the virus. We have to learn to develop joint actions against threats,” he said.
Akıncı asked about the hydrocarbon activities in the Eastern Mediterranean region following the coronavirus pandemic, said it was clear what needed to be done irrelevant of the pandemic.
“What is needed is to find a way with dialogue for the two communities on the island as well as the other countries in the region to benefit from the hydrocarbon resources equitably,” Akıncı stressed.
He underlined the importance of “dialogue” as the first step in the equitable sharing of the resources.
Akıncı recalled the Greek Cypriot side had rejected the Turkish Cypriot side’s July 13, 2019, proposal on the issue, insisting of keeping the issue of natural resources separate from the negotiations process and refusing to discuss the matter with the Turkish Cypriot side.
Reminding that the international companies have ceased their activities in the area until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Akıncı said the halt in their activities gives the two sides a chance to start a dialogue on the issue.
When reminded about the possible collaboration between Turkey and Greece on tourism and their joint efforts to market the Aegean Sea as a safe destination, Akıncı said Cyprus as a whole has become a destination safer than the Aegean.
“Similar approaches, joint marketing campaigns could very well be carried out in Cyprus as well. However, as it is known, as long as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, it is very difficult to market the island as a whole,” Akıncı said.
He added, “This is yet another stark reality that proves how important it is to solve the Cyprus problem and how vital it is in many areas of life.”
Asked about the Rebirth Party’s (YDP) case to challenge the decision on postponing the presidential term for six months due to the pandemic, Akıncı said the extension of the term was mandatory as there was not a conducive environment to hold the elections.
“The parliament adopted the decision with consensus. It was a request made by all the political parties, not by one individual,” Akıncı recalled.
He explained the YDP’s position and said the party insisted that the president would not take any new initiatives or steps on the Cyprus problem.
“The world is preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic, therefore, it is not feasible to expect any developments on the Cyprus issue,” Akıncı concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> I will not take a step forward on the Cyprob without being authorized by the people.
>> New developments on the Cyprob unlikely as the world is preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic.
>> I shall continue to work for the solution of the Cyprob with all my strength if elected.
>> Recent developments have shown us the need for the solution on the island.
>> Efforts to find a solution must continue as long as the problem remains unsolved.
>> As time passes, a partition is becoming permanent on the island.
>> The keyword in the negotiations process is “mutually acceptable.”
>> Once the pandemic is over, the efforts to find the desired solution on the island will resume.
>> The opportunity for a solution will resurface with the efforts of the two sides and the UNSG’s contributions.
>> The two communities should embrace efforts to find the desired solution.
>> We will either have a BBF or witness the permanent partition of the island in not a so distant future.
>> The crossings could start gradually in line with the decreasing trend of the coronavirus on both sides as this is backed by scientific data.
>> The pandemic has pushed the Cyprus problem in the background.
>> The states and communities must overcome their problems in peaceful ways through dialogue.
>> The two communities must work together against the common threat of the virus. We have to learn to develop joint actions against threats.
>> What needs to be done in East Med is clear irrelevant of the pandemic.
>> What is needed is to find a way with dialogue for the two communities on the island as well as the other countries in the region to benefit from the hydrocarbon resources equitably.
>> The hiatus given by the int’l energy firms in their activities gives the two sides a chance to start a dialogue on the issue.
>> As long as the Cyprob remains unsolved, it is very difficult to market the island as a whole.
The crossings can gradually be opened
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The bicommunal Technical Committee on Health concluded that it is possible the limitations on the crossing points as agreed by the two leaders during their telephone conversation on 21 May, could be lifted gradually in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, all dailies report on Tuesday.
The bicommunal technical committee on health together with the scientists, medical experts and the general coordinators of the technical committees on both sides held a videoconference meeting on Monday to discuss epidemiological data obtained through the efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic across the island.
“When the current figures from both sides were compared during the meeting, it was observed the epidemiological data is scientifically similar. In the case of the continuation of the current situation, it was agreed during the meeting that the restrictions on the crossing points could be lifted gradually in line with the two leaders’ agreement, and in light of the WHO recommendations,” the Turkish Cypriot General Coordinator of the Technical Committees Meltem Onurkan Samani said following the meeting.
In a statement issued from the office of the president, Samani said the members of the committee are of the same view that the two sides have been successful in their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“The committee members have also agreed to meet again as soon as possible to share information between the two communities and for the gradual lifting of the restrictions on the crossing points,” Samani concluded.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Union Şener Elcil on Monday said urgent action was needed to reopen the crossing points.
He said that a joint struggle was needed against the pandemic in Cyprus, which he reminded was European Union (EU) soil.
Elcil, in a written statement, underlined the importance of supporting the development of economic, social and cultural relations on the island without restricting Cypriots’ freedom of movement on the island.
He also argued that the ongoing debate on the crossing points on both sides of the island was had revealed the solidarity of the anti-solution and pro-division groups on both sides of the divide.
Elcil said the Turkish Cypriot authorities’ position regarding the crossing points overlapped with groups such as ELAM in the south who supported the idea of keeping the crossing points closed.
He added that the politically motivated decision by the authorities in the South to close some of the crossing points and the decision by the Turkish Cypriot authorities to further advance these wrong decisions to close all crossing points had prevented a joint fight against the pandemic.
“A repressive mindset is the joint characteristic of fascists, dictators and racists. A fascist is a fascist everywhere,” he said.
Attack on Limassol Mosque draws widespread condemnation
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
The island’s religious leaders and Turkish Cypriot authorities on Monday condemned vandalism at the Köprülü Mosque in Limassol including a graffiti with a racist slogan.
In a statement, the religious leaders of the five main faith communities of Cyprus – Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Armenian Orthodox, Maronite and Latin Catholic – expressed their “united voice” in condemning the acts of vandalism which took place on Sunday night.
According to reports, petrol bombs were thrown into the premises of the mosque while the outer wall was vandalised with racist graffiti against Islam and immigrants.
“We categorically condemn any acts of vandalism and disrespect done to sacred places of worship and we are horrified to see such acts of violence and expression of Islamophobia, xenophobia and discrimination,” they said.
For the past four years, the statement said, the Köprülü Mosque in the Ayios Antonios neighbourhood in Limassol has been one of the positive examples of good and respectful cooperation of all stakeholders involved and the local community association advancing religious freedom.
“As such, acts like these are not only disrespectful to the religious community but to all those who work together to advance respect, human rights and freedom of religion,” the religious leaders said.
President Mustafa Akıncı, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar and Turkish Cypriot Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay also condemned the incident on Monday.
Akıncı strongly condemned the incident and called on the Greek Cypriot leadership to act swiftly to investigate, identify, apprehend and punish those responsible.
He said it was out of the question to tolerate such acts and that all places of worship, irrelevant of which religion, were scared sanctuaries which needed to be respected.
Tatar, in a separate statement also called on the Greek Cypriot authorities to identify and punish those responsible.
He said that it was not possible to accept this incident which came at a time when the world was struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.
“There are those waiting on the Greek Cypriot side for the opportunity to launch such attacks, particularly those who are obsessed with Muslims and immigrants,” he said.
Tatar added that those who would turn a blind eye to such attacks will one day bear the consequences.
Özersay also called on the Greek Cypriot authorities to catch the perpetrators and to bring them to justice.
“The Greek Cypriot authorities must adopt a deterring stance on this issue,” he said, adding that such acts of xenophobia and Islamophobia were unacceptable.
The Turkish Cypriot Speaker of Parliament Teberrüken Uluçay also condemned the incident on Monday, stating that the attack against the Turkish Cypriot historical, religious and cultural existence on the island.
Uluçay said that the perpetrators should be found immediately and punished.
He added that giving deterring punishment was the only way to serve peace on the island.
Urging the Turkish Cypriot community to remain calm, Uluçay said that the Greek Cypriot people should not turn a blind eye to such acts or to the people who carry out the acts.
He also said that the Greek Cypriot administration, political parties and civil society organisations must condemn the attack.
“This would be the most positive and strongest message to the Turkish Cypriot people,” Uluçay added.
The attack was also condemned by the head of the Turkish Cypriot Department for Religious Affairs Talip Atalay, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the Democrat Party (DP) Fikri Ataoğlu, the leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Ahmet Yönlüer, the Cyprus Vakıflar Administration and the National Respect Platform.
Echoing the condemnations of the Turkish Cypriot authorities, the Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the Molotov cocktail attack on the Köprülü Mosque in a statement issued on Monday.
“Greek Cypriot Administration should take necessary measures in line with the responsibility of protecting the freedom to worship and the sanctity of places of worship, and should find the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The ministry also emphasized such attacks and rhetoric cause harm to the efforts to settle the Cyprus issue.
The spokesman for Turkey’s Justice and Development Party Ömer Çelik on Monday condemned the attack via a tweet.
He said the Greek Cypriot administration needed to take measures against Islamophobia and those carrying out such xenophobic attacks.
“The Greek Cypriot administration must take measures against anti-Islam fascists. It must fight against political and media reporting that encourages Islamophobia. Those responsible must be brought to justice immediately,” he tweeted.
Famagusta Initiative criticizes TC authorities’ decisions on Pile (Pyla)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis
CBMs
OVERVIEW
Famagusta Initiative member Okan Dağlı on Monday criticized the Turkish Cypriot authorities’ decisions concerning the mixed village of Pile (Pyla), describing it as out-dated and archaic.
The decisions are oppressive and racist, he added.
In a written statement on behalf of the initiative, Dağlı said the government should withdraw its decision and open all crossing points for all citizens while adhering to certain measures.
He said the fact that there were no new cases in the north for a long time and almost no new cases in the south was an important development.
Dağlı said the requirement for all Turkish Cypriot residents allowed to cross north to download a tracking app on their mobile phones was illegal and a violation of privacy.
He described the move as undemocratic.
Dağlı also slammed the requirement for the same individuals to refrain from having any contact with Greek Cypriots.
“The mentality which believes that Greek Cypriots will spread the virus is shameful,” he added.
In a related development, Turkish Cypriot authorities took a step back on Monday announcing that Turkish Cypriots living in Pile (Pyla) and who would cross over to the north for work purposes will not be required to download a tracking app on their mobile phones.
The villagers had protested the move on Sunday night after it was announced by the mukhtar of the village.
Later on Monday, Turkish Cypriots who lined up at the Beyarmudu (Pergamos) crossing point also protested the government’s stance.
65 villagers eligible to cross to the north underwent PCR testing.
Only Turkish Cypriot villagers who work in the north and granted permission will be allowed to cross at the first stage.
Those who test negative will be allowed to cross.
The Turkish Cypriots crossing will also have to sign a declaration that they will not cross over to the South or have any contact with Greek Cypriots during this period.
The villagers have reacted to the conditions, stating that they were oppressive and racist.
The opposition criticises the government over economic protocol
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security, Economy
OVERVIEW
The opposition parties found the opportunity to voice their criticism of the economic protocol signed on May 26 with Turkey during the plenary on Monday.
“The economic protocol agreements signed to date have cut off Turkish Cypriots from production,” Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit said in his address.
He added when in need, there is no doubt the Turkish Cypriot authorities will ask for contributions from Turkey.
Özyiğit also highlighted none of the opposition parties had been informed of the agreement in advance.
“Even the coalition partner, the Peoples’ Party (HP) was uninformed of the plans to sign the agreement,” Özyiğit argued.
He also claimed that the economic protocol agreement reinstates the notion the reigns are in Turkey’s hands.
“We talk about an independent and sovereign TRNC on one hand, and on the other hand, the protocol agreements strengthen the notion of ‘sub-administration’ for the north,” Özyiğit claimed. He added the latest protocol agreement has transferred all the authority on financial matters from the north to Turkey.
Özyiğit concluded by expressing his concerns that the economic protocol might not be used for the upcoming presidential elections in the north.
Also addressing the plenary, leader of the YDP Erhan Arıklı said he did not believe the cabinet would be able to fulfil the requirements of the protocol agreement.
“I do not think the 17 points of the agreement can be realised for the north to receive the funds promised with them,” Arıklı stressed.
He also criticised the cabinet for adopting “hasty” decisions on the reopening process.
“The steps which have been taken are harming the economy. It is not logical for the hotels to reopen before the arrivals of tourists are allowed,” Arıklı argued.
He also pointed out the cabinet’s decision to make the university students pay for their quarantine accommodation also harms the higher-education sector.
Arıklı concluded by urging the cabinet members to resign should they fail to meet with the requirements of the protocol agreement and fail to bring the much-needed funds to the north.
DP leader Fikri Ataoğlu also claimed the coalition partner HP was not aware of the details of the protocol agreement even though it entails a significant amount of funds.
Also criticising the cabinet’s decisions on the tourism and the higher-education sectors, Ataoğlu said: “it is obvious the government does not care about tourism or higher-education.”
Ataoğlu, expressing disbelief in the cabinet’s capacity to deliver the conditions of the protocol, asked how the cabinet plans on fulfilling the 17 articles listed in the agreement.
The leader of the main opposition CTP Tufan Erhürman slammed the cabinet for not consulting the opposition parties before signing the economic protocol agreement.
“This is not only an issue in terms of the diplomatic etiquette but is also a problematic issue in terms of the agreement’s contents,” Erhürman said.
He added if the CTP had been consulted before signing the agreement, they would have told the cabinet to focus on the revenues of the finance ministry.
Erhürman pointed out that the finance ministry is in serious difficulty due to the hiatus in the market.
“It is understood from the protocol agreement that there will be monthly evaluation meetings, and reporting and eventually if there is a budget deficit, Turkey will transfer funds to the north. It means the finance ministry will be supported only for salary payments,” Erhürman said.
He noted in addition to the finance ministry, the private sector, employees and the retailers are all in serious economic difficulty at the moment, which contributes to decreasing revenues of the finance ministry.
“This issue should have been the priority when discussing the details of the economic protocol with Turkey,” Erhürman said.
Also criticising the “action plan” of the protocol agreement, Erhürman argued the articles of the protocol were vague.
“On the contrary, clear and tangible outputs should be put down as deliverables in the protocol agreement,” Erhürman stressed.
Erhürman also criticised the cabinet for “handing over the control and monitoring responsibility to Turkey through the ARMA (Infrastructure and private sector financial collaboration instrument) model” and claimed it will also be applied in the future protocol agreements.
He recalled as a result of the ARMA model, the office of the Cyprus Affairs in Ankara will be responsible for the implementation rules and procedures of the said agreement.
Erhürman concluded by asking whether or not the cabinet has any plans on keeping the private sector, retailers and shopkeepers afloat during the economic crisis.
Responding to the criticisms from the opposition parties, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar reassured all the much-needed funds will be transferred to the north with the signing of the economic protocol agreement.
Tatar pointed out the protocol agreement ensures contributions into the finance ministry as its revenues dropped drastically due to the coronavirus lockdown.
“The cabinet will produce the necessary fiscal and economic policies and these will include several initiatives for the private sector as well,” Tatar stressed.
Also refuting the claims of the opposition the cabinet had signed the agreement in a secretive manner; Tatar said its details had been discussed in the past.
“The amount of money was the only remaining item to be decided last. Other than that all the matters had been discussed numerous times,” Tatar stressed, accusing the opposition of trying to discredit the cabinet with baseless arguments.
Tatar referred to criticisms on the ARMA model and again accused the opposition parties of trying to distort the facts.
“We are trying to work towards the same goal and that is the best use of the funds made available. There are no other intentions whatsoever,” Tatar stressed.
Also touching on the issue of the crossing points, Tatar said the discussions were underway for reopening the crossings.
“We are also in favour of the opening of the crossings however if there is a risk, we have to be able to evaluate the risk before making any decisions,” Tatar concluded.
Fire in the buffer zone near Lefke (Lefka) spreads south
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Fire fighting crews on both sides of the buffer zone fought to put out a blaze on Monday afternoon near the Lefke (Lefka) crossing that spread from the north to the south.
The fire, according to Turkish Cypriot media erupted at around 2.15 pm in a forest area near the Aplıç (Apliki) crossing but spread south due to winds.
Ten fire engines from the south are joined in the effort. It is believed around 10,000 trees burned to ash.
The fire in the north was finally put out around 4:30 pm with fire fighting conducting cooling efforts.