Front Page Headlines
A job rescue model on the table
Social partners will be at the Presidential Palace today for the new support measures. Joint commitment to preserving jobs and production ability of all businesses. The Fiscal Council suggests support measures only for viable activities.
- Crossing points: Tatar sets terms
- Government: Contacts and interviews (on Turkish actions, economy, tourism)
- Greece: Attention is on Evros, waiting for a new wave of migrants
They are under pressure but they are still coping
There is an around €200m reduction per month to state expenses, optimism for improvement after July. There are difficulties in public finances but it seems a much worse scenario will be avoided.
- Akinci –Tatar meeting: No white smoke on crossing points
- Back to reality due to Turkey
- Increase in flights after July 1
- Erdogan announced drillings also with Libya
Turkey-Libya, agreed on drillings
At a press conference yesterday in Ankara, Erdogan, along with the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj, said that Turkey and Libya reached a new marine agreement and will carry out drillings in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish president also said that he would increase his support to Sarraj’s government…
- Moves for the opening of crossings
- Flight schedules from 20 air carriers – Soon, arrivals will be allowed to Cyprus from the UK, even with the obligation of coronavirus testing.
‘Cyprus among safe countries’
Tourism boost from Merkel as island becoming popular choice, post-Covid.
Dozens of dead people remain unburied
Due to the refusal by state pathologists to carry out post mortems. They are afraid of the coronavirus.
- Things will be made clear today on crossings – Consultations in the occupied areas, concerns by Anastasiades. Akinci and Tatar throw the ball in the experts’ court.
- The adventure of little TC girl, Olivia amidst the pandemic
- Greece: We are ready even for war with Turkey
Main News
Kousios: TC side is exploiting the issue of crossings for electioneering
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
CBMs, Human Rights, Internal Security
OVERVIEW
The government expressed concerns over the obstacles raised by the TC side as regards the reopening of the crossings between the two sides, the papers report on Friday.
The dailies cites statements by Government Spokesman Kyriacos Kousios to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on the statements by TC ‘deputy prime minister’ Kudret Ozersay and ‘prime minister’ Ersin Tatar.
Kousios told CNA that the occupation regime raises obstacles as regards the re-opening of the crossing points by making it a political issue due to the upcoming election process for the new TC leader.
The spokesman said President Nicos Anastasiades, is seriously concerned with the situation and will decide on how to act within the coming days. Asked if Anastasiades will hold a new discussion with TC leader Mustafa Akinci about the issue of re-opening of crossing points, Kousios did not rule out such a possibility if this is required.
He recalled that the two leaders had reached an understanding last month to initially allow TCs working, studying or receiving treatment in the government-controlled areas and of the enclaved and Maronites living permanently in the north to cross between the two sides starting from June 8.
He said however that the TC side raises obstacles by handling the issue as a political one.
“It is clear that the issue is being used in the framework of the election discussions and Tatar is trying to politically exploit it,” Kousios said. He also recalled Tatar’s reactions when the Republic of Cyprus had decided to donate medicine and protective material to TCs when Tatar had accused Akinci that he was illegally importing goods in the pseudo-state.
He also recalled Tatar’s and Ozersay’s reactions when Anastasiades gave instructions for firefighting aircraft of the Republic to help put out a massive fire in the occupied areas, at the request of Akinci.
Kousios also said Tatar’s argument that there are still Covid-19 cases in the government-controlled areas was an excuse, noting that the epidemiological situation in the south is excellent “and we are considered a safe country with regard to the way the Covid-19 pandemic has been addressed.”
He also noted that only a limited number of tests were carried out in the occupied areas and that during the recent teleconference of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health “our epidemiologists presented all data and the full picture of what is happening in the government-controlled areas while the members of the TC delegation did not present any data and there was no willingness on their part for cooperation on this issue.”
Kousios also said that GC epidemiologists have expressed reservations concerning the issue of the re-opening of the airport in the occupied areas and the relaunch of flights from Turkey, “where the situation as regards the coronavirus is not good.”
According to Phileleftheros the meeting yesterday between Akinci and Tater did not yield any substantive results. The daily also quotes the Maronites’ Forum saying that Ozersay said what has been said about June 8 is not true since no such decision was taken by the TC side. He said that until July 1 when crossings will be allowed by the TC side, if there is an emergency and Maronites need to go to Kormakitis and Karpasha, relatives will be allowed to cross immediately and return without them having to take any tests or submitting any certificates.
Politis reports that Tatar insists in his own terms for the reopening of the crossings but after a meeting yesterday with Akinci he slightly changed his stance. He send out the message that the crossings would open but that they needed to set the procedure based on their ‘special’ terms for which crossings would be carried out, the paper reported.
Alithia reports that things are expected to clarify today after the meeting Akinci is holding with Tatar, Ozersay, the ‘health minister’ and members of the Technical Committee on Health.
KEY ACTORS
Kousios (RoC spokesman)
>> The TC side has made the issue of the crossings a political one and is exploiting it ahead of the elections in the north.
>> Anastasiades is seriously concerned with the situation & is expected to make his own decisions on the matter soon.
>> Tatar’s argument that there are still Covid-19 cases in the south is an excuse given that the epidemiological situation in the south is excellent while the RoC is considered a safe country as regards to the way the pandemic has been addressed.
>> Not enough coronavirus tests are being carried out in the north while the TC side seems reluctant in providing details on the way it is handling the pandemic.
>> GC epidemiologists are concerned about the re-opening of the airport in the north & resumption of flights from Turkey where the situation as regards the coronavirus is not good.
Nicosia briefs EU, international partners about Turkey’s conduct
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Politis, Phileleftheros
Regional/International Relations, EU Matters, Energy
OVERVIEW
President Nicos Anastasiades and members of his cabinet have launched a round of contacts with EU and international partners but also an info campaign with interviews to foreign media on Turkey’s actions, the economy and tourism, the dailies report.
In the meantime, Turkey announced drilling in cooperation with Libya while Greece warns it would not hesitate to confront Turkey with military means over violation of its marine areas.
According to Phileleftheros Foreign Minster Nikos Christodoulides said during an interview with Greek OpenTV that Turkey’s actions are not directed exclusively against the Republic of Cyprus, but against all countries in the region.
Christodoulides said that Turkey’s moves in the Eastern Mediterranean were at the centre of the agenda of the Greek-Cyprus-Jordan video conference, held on Wednesday, pointing out that Ankara’s actions are raising concerns among all states in the region and beyond.
The minister said that on Tuesday he had spoken with his German counterpart and that it was obvious that he too was concerned about Turkey’s moves, statements and about its entire approach, which violate the basic principles of international law.
He also stressed that there is continuous communication between Cyprus and Greece, and that the two countries take all necessary measures in order to avoid a possible “hot incident”. “Everyone realises that such a development would be very negative,” Christodoulides said.
He also referred to the cooperation of Cyprus and Greece with other countries in the region, stressing that an initiative with states affected by Turkey’s illegal actions will be announced soon.
Christodoulides noted that unlike Ankara, the Republic of Cyprus focuses on substance instead of doing PR. “I saw Mr Cavusoglu making a post with a photo, where he was holding the maps of the region. We see that Turkey is working on the communication aspect of the issue, trying thus to conceal its internal problems”, he said according to the daily.
But the government spokesman too made statements about Turkey.
The dailies cite Kyriacos Kousios, telling CNA that Turkey’s expansionist policy has culminated, and that Cyprus addresses Ankara’s moves at diplomatic level.
Commenting on Ankara’s activities and plans on the Eastern Mediterranean, in Greek waters and in Libya, Kousios said that Turkey’s actions do not go unnoticed. “This is something which constantly concerns the government,” he added noting the diplomatic actions undertaken by Christodoulides and Cyprus’ diplomatic missions in all countries.
He said Cyprus has discussed this issue with many countries and many of them reacted against Turkey’s actions.
The diplomatic action undertaken by Cyprus, he said. “which is one of the main tools that we are using to address these problems, since as we have repeatedly said we are relying on diplomacy and the international law, seems to bear fruit.”
He added that Nicosia has asked the EU for a more active presence as regards what is happening in the Eastern Mediterranean and more specifically with regard to the questioning of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and the intervention of Turkey in Cyprus’ EEZ and Ankara’s illegal drillings. He explained that this would mean a more active foreign policy, by intervening in what is happening.
Kousios also said there is constant contact between Cyprus and Greece at the highest level, and an excellent and sound cooperation with a view to address the Turkish moves.
The dailies also report that Anastasiades had on Thursday an extensive telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Deputy Government Spokesman, Panayiotis Sentonas, said after the phone call that according to Merkel Cyprus is among the countries considered to be safe destinations for German citizens. She also congratulated Cyprus for the way it handled the pandemic.
Anastasiades also informed her about Turkey’s illegal activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the broader region. Sentonas said the two leaders arrived at a common understanding about the role the EU must play, which needs to continue monitoring Turkish actions closely, acting decisively while insisting on the implementation of its decisions and demonstrating its practical solidarity, the papers reported.
They also report that Kousios announced that Anastasiades’ upcoming visit to Israel, with members of the cabinet, aims at further upgrading the already excellent relations between the two countries.
Kousios said the delegations of the two countries’ would also discuss foreign policy including the destabilising activities of Turkey in the region, defence issues, energy and tourism. He added that a tripartite summit involving Cyprus, Greece and Israel would likely take place later in the year.
Alithia reports that Greek Defence Minister Nikos Panayiotopoulos, commenting on Ankara’s provocative actions concerning Greece, told Star TV that Athens was ready even for a military confrontation with Turkey if necessary.
The minister said even though Greece does not want to resort to such ways, it will do what’s necessary to defend her sovereign rights. He added that Athens will try to resolve the matter diplomatically but it also makes sure to increase its armed forces’ deterrent power.
Politis reports that the president and his ministers are in contact with foreign leaders and officials but also giving interviews in international media on Turkey’s activities in the region, the economy and tourism.
Anastasiades has given several interviews during the past few days to Politico Europe, German die Welt, the Harvard alumni show called Bridging Borders and Greek news portal Ta Nea.
He has also had contacts with the Israeli prime minister and yesterday spoke with Merkel.
Christodoulides held talks and contacts in recent days with the German, Russian, Greek and Jordanian foreign ministers and with the ministers of states participating in MED7 among others, the daily reported.
Phileleftheros reports that Turkish moves in the Eastern Mediterranean force everyone to get back to the political reality of provocations and confrontations.
According to the paper Turkey is on the top of Anastasiades’ and Christodoulides’ agendas during their contacts with foreign officials.
KEY ACTORS
Christodoulides (RoC FM)
>> Turkey’s actions are not directed only against the RoC but also all countries in the region & are raising concern among all states in the region and beyond.
>> Greece and Cyprus are in continuous communication & are taking all necessary measures in order to avoid a possible hot incident with Turkey which would be a very negative development.
>> Nicosia, unlike Ankara, focuses on substance instead of doing PR which is a ploy to draw attention from its internal problems.
Kousios (RoC spokesman)
>> The RoC addresses Ankara’s expansionist moves in the East Med that have escalated, at diplomatic level.
>> Nicosia’s diplomatic action which is one of the main tools it uses to address Turkish provocations seems to bear fruit since many countries and EU officials condemned Turkey’s actions.
>> Nicosia would like a more active EU presence on developments in the East Med & with regard to the questioning of the sovereign rights of the RoC and Turkey’s intervention in Cyprus’ EEZ and illegal drillings.
>> Cyprus & Greece cooperate at the highest level to address Turkish moves.
Panayiotopoulos (Greek Defence Minister)
>> Athens is ready even for a military confrontation if necessary if Ankara continues its provocations as regards Greece.
>> While Athens will try to resolve the matter diplomatically it will do what’s necessary to defend her sovereign rights.