Front Page Headlines
Turkey is one thing, Akinci is another
The Republic of Cyprus’ memo to the UN is focused on Turkish provocations. The understanding and cooperation with the TC leader as well as the operation of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health are among the positives. References to the illegal drilling in the EEZ, the threats and plans on Varosha and the provocations in the buffer zone.
They knew but they did not react
The state services bear yet again heavy responsibilities on the case of the 19-month-old child’s abuse. SPAVO: We informed them of abuse on June 3. Police: We were informed only of the abuse of the mother.
- Military training programme by the US – Announcement by the embassy.
- Contacts over creating a front against Turkey
- Ankara ups pressure on the Mediterranean
The National Guard is to be trained against the Russians and Chinese
The government’s US-friendly policies embroil Cyprus in the dangerous geopolitical plans of the US in the eastern Mediterranean. The US embassy in Cyprus announced it the provision of military training to the US, which aims “to strengthen military partnerships and international coalitions that defend the US national security interests.” Training of the NG by the US and thanks by the defence minister. “Dealing with the malign Russian and Chinese influence”. Dangerous approach towards the US-NATO axis.
- The de-escalation of tensions is a priority (for the EU)
- Efforts to seek common ground on crossings
- Today is the funeral of Papalazaros: He did not leave… he will always be with us!
Govt welcomes US army offer
But AKEL condemns military training as part of the US’ ‘dangerous geopolitical plans’.
Police officers take to the streets
Protest march to the Presidential Palace. They claim pay raises.
- IMET programme: The US will train us militarily
Main News
GC side marks cooperation between leaders among positives
Politis
External Security, CBMs, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The daily, in its main item, reports that the government, in the memo it has prepared to be attached to the UNSG’s report on UNFICYP to be submitted to the Security Council, points out the Turkish threats and plans on Famagusta, the provocations in the buffer zone but also in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The government is also sending out the message that Turkey and TC leader Mustafa Akinci are not the same.
According to the paper, the report, along with the memos by the two leaders, is expected to be released on July 10.
Politis reports that that the GC side has submitted its memo in mid-June and in it, it points out that the pandemic and Turkish provocations in the wider region did not leave a margin for shaping the conditions that would lead to an improvement of the climate as regards the Cyprus problem.
The Presidential Palace is sending out the message that Turkey’s and the Turkish army’s actions on the island are sabotaging efforts for creating a positive climate despite the efforts by the two leaders.
The document of the GC side refers to the Turkish provocations in the Cypriot EEZ and Ankara’s ongoing illegal drilling activities which do not allow the restart of any talks. It also refers to the threats and plans by Turkey and the ‘government’ in the north on Varosha, the violations in the buffer zone such as that of last February in Spitfire in Nicosia and developments in Strovilia.
The GC side also gives an account of developments as regards the crossing points.
The positive references concern the operation of the technical committees and especially that on health, and the communication and understanding between the two leaders, cooperation for humanitarian issues and help to the north to put out the recent fires.
The Presidential Palace also included references on the GC side’s readiness for the restart of the talks from where the left off in Crans Montana, based on what has been agreed also pointing out that developments – not due to the GC side – postpone any talks for after October, the daily reports.
AKEL warns against offer for military training by US
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
External Security, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
The dailies report on the reaction by main opposition AKEL to the announcement by the American embassy in Nicosia of the intention by the US to offer International Military Education and Training (IMET) to Cyprus’ National Guard.
According to the dailies, the government welcomed the move but AKEL condemns it and warns that it is yet another step towards the implementation of the ‘Menendez bill’ that wants Cyprus to cut ties with Russia.
The US embassy announced that it was ready to offer IMET to the Republic of Cyprus as of 2021 subject to Congressional appropriations and notification.
It said that the IMET programme provides students from allied and friendly nations valuable training and education on US military practices and standards through professional and technical courses.
It added that the programme was a key component of US security assistance, promoting regional stability and defence capabilities through professional military education and that offering IMET to Cyprus is consistent with the State Department’s Eastern Mediterranean strategy and the policy intent of the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019, both of which aim to strengthen the US’ security partnership with the Republic.
“The Republic of Cyprus is an important partner in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We look forward to continuing to deepen our bilateral relationship as we promote regional stability,” it said.
The US embassy said IMET serves as an effective means to strengthen military partnerships and international coalitions “that defend our national security interests”.
The dailies report that Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides thanked the ambassador and said that this initiative was a step toward strengthening bilateral relations on security and defence matters between Cyprus and the US.
He also said that military training would provide significant experience and technical knowledge to the National Guard.
They also cite AKEL arguing that the military training the US is willing to offer was yet another step toward implementing the infamous Menendez-Rubio law, meaning the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act which was introduced by US Senators Robert Menendez and Marco Rubio and signed into law in December 2019.
Cyprus Mail reports that the bill in question provides among other things for the lifting of the decades-long US arms embargo on Cyprus allowing it to purchase US-made military equipment and for US $2m in IMET assistance each for Cyprus and Greece. It also sets as terms that Cyprus needs to continue to cooperate with the US government in efforts to implement reforms on anti-money laundering regulations but also to take the steps to deny Russian military vessels access to the Republic’s ports for refuelling and servicing.
Haravgi and Alithia also quote a tweet by the US State Department saying State Secretary Mike Pompeo discussed on Wednesday efforts to enhance partnership with Cyprus and other regional partners in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter Russian and Chinese malign influence.
All dailies report that AKEL asked whether Cyprus’ armed forces would now defend US interests and pointed out it had warned that this bill embroils Cyprus into the dangerous geopolitical plans of the US on the Eastern Mediterranean.
The party also said the IMET promotes the dissolution of Cyprus-Russia relations and called on the government to clarify whether it intends to proceed with this ‘cooperation’ and whether the Cypriot armed forces will now be defending American interests.
The party also asked whether the “propaganda of illusions for the strong allies of the Anastasiades government that will shield Cyprus, and which never show up, will start again?”
AKEL also pointed out that the IMET announcement states that the aim of this training is to strengthen military partnerships and international coalitions that defend US national security interests.
It also wanted to know exactly which are the ‘shared international challenges’ when the US, to ‘keep Turkey in the West’, covers up Turkish aggression and Erdogan’s blatant provocations against Cyprus and Greece.
Cyprus Mail quotes Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides saying he was briefed on Wednesday morning by US Ambassador to Nicosia, Judith Garber, on the issue and that he found this announcement “a positive move,” adding that it is part of the scope of US-Cyprus relations. The minister told the Cyprus Mail that it was up to the defence minister to decide whether to take up the US offer to train National Guard officers.
The daily also reports that the defence ministry welcomed the move but did not explicitly say if the offer would be accepted.
Citing a government source, the daily reports that it remains to be seen whether the IMET offer is accepted, what the US reaction will be and whether demands will be made as regards the bill’s other provisions. The source added that the government makes its decisions based on what it deems is right and not on what other countries say, the paper reports.
Haravgi, in its main item, reports that the National Guard will be trained against the Russians and Chinese.
KEY ACTORS
US
>> US is willing to offer IMET to Cyprus as part of efforts to promote regional stability & defence capabilities & the East Med Act both of which aim to strengthen the US’ security partnership with the Republic.
>> The RoC is an important partner in the East Med & the US looks forward to continuing to deepen bilateral relationship while promoting regional stability.
>> IMET serves as an effective means to strengthen military partnerships & international coalitions that defend their national security interests.
Petrides (RoC Defence Min)
>> Welcomes the US offer as a step toward strengthening bilateral relations on security and defence matters between Cyprus and the US.
>> IMET would provide significant experience & technical knowledge to the National Guard.
Christodoulides (RoC FM)
>> Welcomes the US initiate as a positive move which is part of the scope of US-Cyprus relations.
US State Department
>> Strengthening partnership with Cyprus and other partners in the East Med aims to counter Russian and Chinese malign influence.
AKEL
>> Wants to government to clearly state if it will accept the US offer thus having NG defending US interests.
>> Warns again that the Menendez-Rubio bill embroils Cyprus into the dangerous geopolitical plans of the US on the East Med & promotes the dissolution of Cyprus-Russia relations.
>> Criticises the government of creating a propaganda of illusions for its strong allies that would supposedly shield Cyprus but who never show up.
>> Points out that the announcement clearly states that the aim of this training is to strengthen military partnerships & international coalitions that defend US national security interests.
>> Questions the statement about ‘shared international challenges’ when the US, that wants to keep Turkey in the West, covers up Turkish aggression and Erdogan’s blatant provocations against Cyprus & Greece.
Nicosia & Athens coordinate ahead of EU discussions on Turkey next week
Phileleftheros
EU Matters, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The daily reports that Nicosia and Athens are in full diplomatic mobilisation ahead of the crucial next week when the EU Foreign Affairs Council and the European Council will take place in a bid to convince their EU partners of the necessity to put a stop to Turkey’s provocations.
Diplomatic circles estimate that if Turkey does not receive a message of determination from Brussels to put a brake on its aggressive policy in the region, it is expected to become even more emboldened with the consequences of this behaviour causing even greater problems for the EU itself, the paper reports.
It added that the Greek and Cypriot foreign ministers want to convey to their EU counterparts the dimensions of the Turkish aggression and the risks of a wider destabilisation of the region. At the same time, several other EU-Turkish issued affect the relations between Ankara and Brussels.
Greece’s and Cyprus’ aim is the creation of a ‘lobby’ to exert pressure so that stern messages are sent to the Turkish government, the paper reports, adding that France supports the Greek and Cypriot positions.
The daily also reports that the attitude of the Turkish government after Monday’s meeting between EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu caused intense concern to the Cypriot government.
It also quotes Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides saying that Ankara’s obsession with the equal distribution of the natural gas proceeds between GCs and TCs was yet another indirect questioning of the goal for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The minister stressed that the main goal is to de-escalate tensions between Ankara and the region and resume dialogue for the Cyprus problem solution.
He also noted that it will be a positive development if in the resolution for the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate reference is made to the resumption of the talks from where they left off in Crans Montana.
In another article, the daily reports that opposition parties, following Borrell’s visit to Ankara, criticise the government on the way it handles Turkey’s actions at EU level.
Ruling DISY deputy head Annita Demetriou and the government is dealing with the Turkish demands collectively within the EU and based on international law.
She said the EU will have to keep a strong stance and provide a convincing answer to the issue which is what Cyprus but also other EU members want.
DIKO deputy head Christiana Erotokritou said that the EU’s lukewarm reactions are yet another proof the Anastasiades government failure to convince the bloc while the wrong policies Cyprus has been following during the past years have encouraged Turkey’s insolence.
EDEK said that Greece and Cyprus need to prevent the upgrade of the EU-Turkey relations at economic, political and trade levels. The illusion that the Republic of Cyprus must facilitate Turkey’s accession process must end, the party said, adding that Turkey’s and some EU members’ goal is not Ankara’s membership but a special status with upgraded economic and trade relations.
According to the Citizens’ Alliance, it is a given that after Borrell’s contacts in Turkey, Ankara will be further emboldened. The party cites past experience.
KEY ACTORS
Christodoulides
>> Ankara’s obsession on the distribution of the natural gas proceeds between GCs & TCs is yet another indirect way of questioning the goal for the Cyprob solution.
>> Nicosia’s main goal is to de-escalate tensions between Ankara and the region & to resume dialogue for the Cyprob solution.
>> Would like to see a reference in the UNFICYP mandate renewal resolution to the resumption of the talks from where they left off in Crans Montana.
Demetriou (DISY)
>> The government is dealing with the Turkish demands collectively within the EU & based on international law.
>> Wants the EU to keep a strong stance against Turkey’s provocations which is what Cyprus but also other EU members want.
Erotokritou (DIKO)
>> The EU’s lukewarm reactions are yet another proof of the Anastasiades government’s failure to convince the bloc on taking a firmer stance against Turkey.
>> Turkey’s insolence has been encouraged by the wrong policies Cyprus has been following during the past years.
EDEK
>> Calls on Greece & Cyprus to prevent the upgrade of the EU-Turkey relations at economic, political and trade levels because what Ankara and some members of the bloc want in reality is not Turkey’s membership but a special status with upgraded economic and trade relations.
Citizens’ Alliance
>> Citing past experience, argues that Borrell’s contacts in Turkey, Ankara will be further encouraged to carry on with its audacious stance.
No news on Kato Pyrgos residents’ plea on crossing issue
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros
Human Rights, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The papers report that the government on Wednesday said it was taking steps with the UN and TC leader Mustafa Akinci to try to resolve issues caused by the new entry measures announced by the north on Monday , which greatly affect Kato Pyrgos residents.
Deputy government spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said on Wednesday that the government understands the problems the public face with crossing to the north and it has taken steps with both the UN and Akinci. “So far, there has been no development over the matter” he told reporters, the dailies report.
Kato Pyrgos community council leader Nicos Cleanthous said that GCs can no longer use the Limnitis checkpoints following the new measures announced by the north and special arrangements should be made to help them. Cleanthous said their request is that residents of Tyllyria who use the checkpoints only as a crossing and do not actually stop in the north should not need any formalities for the checkpoints. Crossing in it of itself poses no risk for transmitting any diseases and consequently, there is no need to put residents of the area through so much hassle, he said.
Dailies also report that TC ‘foreign minister’ Kudret Ozersay’s office said he discussed the issue with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar on Tuesday.
Alithia reports that the unjustified hardship Kato Pyrgos residents go through continues since the occupation regime has not changed its stance as regards the restrictive measures it has introduced on crossings from Limnitis.
Phileleftheros reports there has been no response to the government’s representations on the Limnitis crossing.
Petition for recognition of TC man’s contribution on malaria eradication on island
Cyprus Mail
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
According to the daily, an online petition has been launched asking the Cypriot parliament to recognise the work of Mehmed Aziz and his team who were widely credited with eradicating malaria in Cyprus during the colonial years.
Aziz, who was the chief health inspector for the British colonial government of Cyprus in the 1930s and 1940s, together with a select team of Greek and Turkish Cypriot inspectors managed to eradicate the disease that had plagued the country for centuries, the daily reports, adding that Aziz was the originator of the idea and methodology to eradicate malaria, having studied similar attempts to control the disease in Egypt.
The petition on Avaaz was started by Constantinos Psillides who wants to raise awareness for a man who saved thousands but was essentially forgotten by history. “Both him and his team did something that was extraordinary, even by today’s standards,” he told the Cyprus Mail. “He deserves to be recognised and his contribution to society remembered. He is one of many unsung heroes that did not get the credit he deserves.” Psillides said he was petitioning parliament to commission an independent study on Aziz and his work and if he is found worthy, grant him the recognition he deserved.