Front Page Headlines
Cyprus is a small cog in US strategy
New geopolitical scene in the Eastern Mediterranean. Disagreement between government–DISY and AKEL on the reinforcement of Nicosia’s relations with Washington through the offer of military training. Josep Borrell at European Parliament: The times of the crusades and of the Holy Alliance belong to the past. Dialogue with Turkey is necessary.
- Libya: In search of a permanent truce
- EU-US: The trust is disappearing
They also factor Cyprus into equation
The US includes the Republic of Cyprus in its new strategy for the Mediterranean. Message to Turkey from the European Parliament.
- Possible contact between Anastasiades-Putin – Intense consultations over the changes Russia is seeking on double taxation. Christodoulides-Lavrov spoke yesterday. New telephone conversation today.
- Cyprus bode farewell to Papalazaros
Twenty proposals by AKEL for the day after
A package of 20 proposals for the day after was tabled by AKEL leader yesterday with the warning that the “consequences of the crisis will become much more intense for the majority of society in the coming period.” Andros Kyprianou referred to the economy and the workers, health and environment, the Cyprus problem, but also cooperation aimed at changing the government and its politicians…
- No (Cypriot) soldier in American missions
- The Limnitis crossings issue has been resolved – One-off test during the first crossing.
- Borrell: The EU seeks de-escalation and productive relations with Turkey
- You are on a heavenly path Papalazare
Free rapid tests for UK tourists?
Negotiations to subsidise category B country tests 50/50 by govt and island’s hoteliers
- Foundation stone laid for LNG terminal
Back to reality! No tourism also in August!
(Tourism Deputy Minister) Savvas Perdios: “To be frank…” Things are tough without our main markets, Britain and Israel. The British and Israelis will not come to Cyprus unless they are put in category A. The Paphites are angry. Very few hotels and recreation businesses opened.
- Borrell is bringing us down to earth during a discussion at the European Parliament on measures against Turkey – The dynamic of retaliation against Turkey does not make the Mediterranean a safe and stable zone. Only dialogue will make the Mediterranean a zone of stability.
- Averof Neophytou on IMET: Turkey’s reaction was understandable, I cannot understand why AKEL reacted.
- Limnitis crossing: Return to the initial situation
- Accusations by the government: When AKEL members were lambasting soldiers
Main News
Borrell says dialogue, not a crusade, will solve problems with Turkey
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
EU Matters, External Security
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said he was in favour of dialogue with Turkey rather than waging a crusade against it. Some papers pointed out this was a sign that no further measures will be agreed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.
Addressing the European Parliament’s plenary session in Brussels on the situation in the Mediterranean and Turkey’s problematic role in the region, Borrell said that in case of differences, the Mediterranean can become a safer and more stable zone only through dialogue.
He mentioned his recent visits to Turkey and Malta for intensive talks after having been in Greece and Cyprus “to demonstrate EU’s unwavering solidarity”, and said it was clear that the stability and security in the Mediterranean requires collective engagement.
He said Turkey is active in conflicts both in Syria and in Libya and is one of the most important actors there, but despite the important discrepancies regarding its actions in the region, the EU must also acknowledge where its interests coincide. Borrell added that Turkey has shown solidarity and generosity towards now 3.6 million Syrian refugees and has supplied cross-border humanitarian assistance to those displaced by the recent brutal fighting in Idlib when the UN Security Council did not help.
As regards the Eastern Mediterranean, he said, Turkey has been showing a worrying assertiveness with an increased number of flights over Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, drilling operations in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the agreement with Libya, which the EU does not recognise.
“On all issues, the EU has sent clear messages to Turkey,” he said. The EU was determined to protect the principles and values, the external borders and the sovereign rights of the member states, he said, referring to the Council of Foreign Ministers that will consider this matter on Monday.
He said they would also continue to work towards genuine political solutions in Syria and Libya, pointing out Turkey is an important partner, a candidate country and a NATO ally. Borrell pointed out that the current negative trend in the bloc’s relations with Ankara needs to be stopped and reversed. “Dynamics of retaliation do not make the Mediterranean a more secure and stable zone. This will only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations where discrepancies exist,” Borrell said. He added this is what he had discussed with Turkish officials on his trip to Ankara.
Phileleftheros and Alithia report that the head of the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, called for a new chapter in EU-Turkey relations, saying that accession negotiations must stop and other ways of cooperation found once Ankara is ready. They also report that the DISY, EDEK and DIKO MEPs, referred to Turkey’s provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean calling for actions and not just words.
The dailies also reported that after hearing MEPs’ positions, Borrell said he understood their positions, but that crusades belong to another era.
Alithia also reports that Borrell “has brought us down to earth”. The daily reports that Borrell made it clear yesterday that there was no question of the EU foreign ministers taking measures against Turkey as per Cyprus’, Greece’s and France’s demand.
KEY ACTORS
Borrell
>> Only through dialogue & collective action at EU level can the Mediterranean become a safer and more stable zone.
>> Though Turkey has not always behaved well, is one of the most important actors in the region, it is actively involved in the Syria & Libya conflicts & the EU must also consider its own interests.
>> One cannot overlook that Turkey has taken in 3.6 million Syrian refugees & has supplied humanitarian assistance to the displaced by the fighting in Idlib when the UNSC failed to help.
>> Though the EU is determined to protect the principles, values, external borders & the sovereign rights of its member states on Turkey’s worrying assertiveness in the East Med, the block will continue to cooperate with Turkey to find political solutions in Syria and Libya.
>> Calls for a reversal of the negative trend in the EU’s relations with Ankara pointing out Turkey is an important partner, a candidate country and a NATO ally.
>> Understands the frustration felt by some member states as regards Turkey but is not in favour of waging a crusade against it.
Webber (EPP)
>> Calls for other ways of cooperation with Turkey instead of continuing with the accession negotiations.
US-Cyprus relations in the spotlight after IMET offer
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
External Security, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Most dailies on Friday report on the spat between the government and ruling DISY with AKEL over the announcement by the US it was willing to offer military training to the National Guard.
The government welcomed once more the move and gave reassurances this would not harm relations with Russia and China, while AKEL expressed concerns over the possibility of Cypriot soldiers being forced to fight to defend US interests.
The dailies report that Government Spokesman Kyriacos Kousios said on Thursday the government welcomed the decision of the US to include the Republic of Cyprus in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme which was another action which contributes to further upgrading Cyprus’ relations with the US.
Later in the day, President Nicos Anastasiades gave reassurances that the excellent relations Cyprus has with Russia and China will never be disrupted.
“A small country like Cyprus seeks the best possible relationship with all the permanent members of the UN Security Council, he added.
The dailies also report that State Department Assistant Secretary for European Affairs and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer held a virtual meeting with correspondents on the occasion of the provision of IMET assistance to Cyprus. Palmer saıd that the new US Mediterranean Strategy calls for enhancing relations with key partners, including the Republic of Cyprus, to promote stability and prosperity.
Palmer said the US is proud of its long-standing and successful IMET programme throughout the region, including Turkey and Greece, and was excited that Cyprus joins the list of partners.
He clarified that this decision does not signal a change in the US position on a Cyprus settlement and that IMET activities will not affect settlement issues. He added that the US remains committed to the island’s reunification as bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Palmer also said he disagrees with comments suggesting that the US has little interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and that it has transferred its role to Turkey.
“We remain deeply committed to the region and to our partnerships in the region,” he said, adding it was a globally strategically important area for the US.
“We are committed to deepening and strengthening the security partnerships and the broad relationships that we have across the region, including with the Republic of Cyprus as well as with our allies Turkey, Greece, Israel and other states in the region,” he said.
On the lack of progress in the Cyprus problem, Palmer said he was not interested “in pointing fingers.”
He added that the US is supporting efforts by the UN Secretary-General and his representative to take stock of the situation, to identify points of commonality, to craft terms of reference that could serve as the basis for a renewed dialogue to encourage progress that would bring the parties to the table.
Palmer also said the US was concerned over developments, both off Cyprus and in the Aegean, and that Washington has made it clear to Turkey that illegal drilling operations and the memorandum with Libya are unhelpful, counterproductive and contrary to stability and security in the region. He also reiterated that US fully supports the rights of the Republic of Cyprus to develop hydrocarbon exploration in its EEZ.
Palmer also recalled that Turkey is not a signatory of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and has “different legal interpretations” compared with the US and most countries of the world about rights of island states. “That is one of the fundamental underlying challenges and it is something that we will have to work to address with our friends and partners and allies. Trying to manage frictions and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether he expects that expansion of military cooperation with Cyprus covers the provision on defence materiel, Palmer said at the moment, we continue to review all the tools that are available, including those related to current ITAR restrictions, that will help to deepen security cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus but that he did not have anything to announce for now.
Most papers also reported that AKEL continued to criticise the government over its policy as regards relations with the US and the offered military training. Turkey and the TC leadership also raised their dismay about the issue.
AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou said the US only cares about her own interests and asked whether in the case there is a conflict, Cyprus’ children (soldiers) would be asked to fight to defend US interests. He also accused the government of not telling the truth as regards the Rubio-Menendez law which stipulates that lifting the arms embargo on Cyprus presupposes the dissolution of relations with China and Russia.
He also criticised ruling DISY leader Averof Neohytou. Kyprianou said that instead of Neophytou commenting on the IMET offer, he chose instead to criticise AKEL for raising its objections on the matter.
The dailies report that Neophytou said he understands why Turkey reacted to the IMET announcement concerning Cyprus but could not understand why AKEL reacted as well.
Cyprus Mail cites one analyst saying that both sides (Cyprus and Turkey) were inflating the importance of the action. The source said the programme will most likely involve visits by US officers training Cypriot officers in on-the-ground military operational and strategic operational planning. He said questions remain over whether the training offered will be compatible with the operational set-up of the National Guard. The source suggested that IMET may well be a case of the Americans throwing the Cypriots a bone, as it were, in place of selling arms to the Republic, as provided by the East Med Act under certain conditions. “On the geopolitical level, it’s mostly of symbolic importance.” But the presumed political significance is being played up by all the parties, each for their own reasons. For instance, regarding Turkey’s reaction to the announcement, the expert said it is “highly doubtful Ankara worries about this US programme. But as usual they will try to make it all about them, to play the role of the victim and so forth,” said the source, according to the paper.
Haravgi, in an editorial, titled ‘They are training our children for US war missions’, said the Americans will train Cypriot officers and soldiers so that they can include them in US military missions against neighbouring peoples. They will send the children to be killed in imperialist wars, it said. It added that this move is part of the implementation of the Anastasiades-DISY government’s goal: Cyprus’ participation in the NATO ‘Partnership for Peace’ programme, leading to a request to join NATO which is DISY’s ideological position.
Phileleftheros also reports that while the Turkish army is being mainly equipped by US weapon systems, the TC leadership expressed complaints because Washington has decided to include Cyprus in the IMET programme.
KEY ACTORS
Kousios (RoC spokesman)
>> RoC welcomes the decision of the US to include Cyprus in the IMET programme which is another move contributing to further upgrading relations with the US .
Anastasiades
>> A small country like Cyprus seeks the best possible relationship with all the permanent members of the UNSC so its excellent relations with Russia and China will never be disrupted.
Palmer (US)
>> US’ new Mediterranean Strategy calls for enhancing relationship with key partners, including the RoC to promote stability and prosperity.
>> The IMET programme is being implemented throughout the region including Turkey & Greece and now Cyprus joins the list of partners.
>> Cyprus’ participation in the IMET programme changes nothing on the US position on the Cyprob settlement. US remains committed to reunify the island as a BBF.
>> The East Med is a globally strategically important area for the US & it did not transfer its role there in the East Med, but rather remains deeply committed to the region & its partnerships there.
>> The US is committed to deepening & strengthening its security partnerships and the broad relationships across the region, including with the RoC, Turkey, Greece, Israel and other states.
>> Will not point fingers on the lack of progress in the Cyprob but points out US supports efforts by the UNSG on reaching an agreement on the terms of reference that could serve as the basis for a renewed dialogue & bring the parties to the table.
>> US concerned over developments, off Cyprus and in the Aegean & has made it clear to Turkey that illegal drilling operations & the MoU with Libya are unhelpful, counterproductive and contrary to stability and security in the region.
>> The fact that Turkey has different legal interpretations than the US and most countries of the world on UNCLOS & island states, is one of the main challenges that need to be addressed to manage frictions and tensions in the East Med.
Kyprianou (AKEL)
>> The US only cares about its own interests.
>> Wants to know if in the case of conflict in the region Cyprus’ soldiers would be asked to fight to defend US interests.
>> The government has lied about the Rubio-Menendez law which stipulates that lifting the arms embargo on Cyprus presupposes the dissolution of relations with China and Russia.
Neophytou (DISY)
>> Understands why Turkey would object to Cyprus joining the IMET programme but cannot understand why AKEL reacted as well.
Russian,Cypriot FMs discuss Cyprob, UNFICYP mandate
Haravgi, Phileleftheros
External Security, Economy, Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Russia and Cyprus Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Christodoulides had a telephone conversation on Thursday during which they discussed the Cyprus issue, UNFICYP and the double tax agreement between the two countries.
The two ministers exchanged opinions on issues of the bilateral agenda with a focus on the programme of events marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus. They also discussed the settlement of the Cyprus problem in the context of the upcoming discussion of the matter by the UN Security Council.
The Cyprus MFA wrote on twitter that the ministers had a constructive discussion. There was a follow up on issues currently on the bilateral relations agenda, including the double tax agreement, as well as the Cyprus problem and UNFICYP’s mandate renewal. The Security Council is expected to discuss UNFICYP’s mandate renewal on July 29.
Phileleftheros, citing sources, also reports that President Nicos Anastasiades might have a telephone contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the double taxation issue.
Kato Pyrgos problem solved after north changes measures on crossings
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Human Rights, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that the problem faced by Kato Pyrgos residents who need to daily cross through the Limnitis crossing to get to their workplaces in Nicosia was solved after the north announced that people wishing to cross to the north only have to carry out a one-off coronavirus test.
The Tylliria residents who travel to Nicosia daily had protested to Monday’s announcement by the TC authorities that people crossing to the north needed to present a PCR test every 15 days.
They welcomed the latest announcement according to which they will only be required to carry out a one-off coronavirus test as long as they have not travelled abroad during the past 14 days.
The dailies report that the problem has now been solved.