GCC Press Review 28 September 2020

Front Page Headlines

Politis

Judgement (questioning) time for passport sales

Politicians, lawyers, accountants, employees and bankers. Archbishop will also be asked to testify over the case of the naturalisation of Malaysian wanted person Jho Taek Low. Simple employees that were possibly forced to sign fake declarations under orders of their employers will be protected. Investigations in big law firms and auditing houses to seize evidence connected to specific investors are not ruled out.

  • Yeroskipou: “Sacred” hotel postponed
  • Coronavirus: An increase of cases on football players
  • Promotion of big projects: Permits issued in an instant
  • Nagorno-Karabakh: Caucasus on fire

Phileleftheros

Tricks, distortions inside GeSY

Gaps, exploitation of patients and complicated processes in public and private sector. Doctors do not serve patients because “there’s not enough in it for them”.

  • Ankara also present: War rekindled in Nagorno-Karabakh
  • Greek government document: Athens also in favour of sanctions against Turkey
  • Pompeo visit (to Greece) very important

Haravgi

They spared wealthy investors from VAT

Low quotient of 5% for transactions in millions. Properties did not get transferred years after the naturalisation. Parliamentary audit and audit by EY in 2021.

  • Armenia and Azerbaijan on the brink of war
  • Foreign Minister throws the ball of responsibility elsewhere (over Brexit talks)
  • “Uber-optimistic” circles in Ankara pursue an à la carte relationship with EU
  • Call by Akinci to go to maintain health measures when going to polls
  • Tatar investigated by “supreme electoral council” for failing to observe rules

Alithia

Also strikes the heart

New concerning announcements by scientists about the coronavirus. Twelve new cases yesterday, a new case concerning a student, second case in Omonia and one in ASIL Lysis. Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakidou in self-isolation.

  • He sent a letter to all in the EU except Anastasiades – Mitsotakis: Erdogan’s hand on natural gas – He wants natural gas to be shared by G/Cs – T/Cs before a solution to the Cyprus Problem – He wants again calls the Republic of Cyprus departed
  • Picks a fight with Trump: Menendez: US should impose sanctions on Turkey
  • “Invasion” with a drone: Double Turkish provocation at Kastelorizo – They painted a Greek flag red
  • Caucasus on fire: Bloody clashes between Armenia – Azerbaijan
  • Return to Kormakitis: New life and hope for the occupied village…

Main News

Tense rhetoric in East Mediterranean as diplomatic de-escalation sought

Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
External Security, Energy, Regional/ International Relations, EU Matters

OVERVIEW

Phileleftheros reports, citing an internal document issued by the Greek government, that Greece’s position remains that there should be sanctions imposed on Turkey over its actions in the Cypriot EEZ.

The document, which is addressed to officials of the ruling Nea Dimokratia party, points out that Greece believes the EU should support its member states and that it should impose sanctions on Turkey if it continues its current actions. The document also notes that the same principles should be applied to Turkey as to Belarus, and points out that it is useful to have sanctions ready even if no need to use them arises.

Specifically on Cyprus, the Greek position is that as long as Turkish behaviour vis a vis Cyprus continues, the EU should apply its current sanctions framework on the issue. It also says that during last Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council, Cyprus reiterated that there had been an agreement that sanctions on Turkey and Belarus would go hand in hand.

The dailies also report on an incident that took place in Kastelorizo, where red paint was thrown on a mural of the Greek flag. The Greek Foreign Ministry called on the Turkish authorities to investigate the incident and that such actions seek to derail efforts for de-escalation.

Alithia also reports on the letter sent by Turkish President Tayip Erdogan to all EU leaders except for Greek prime minister Mitsotakis and President Anastasiades. Erdogan reiterates his position that a mechanism for sharing natural gas on Cyprus should be established before a solution to the Cyprus Problem.


Young Maronite families return to Kormakitis with government support

Alithia
CBMs, Human Rights, Territory, Property

OVERVIEW

Twelve young Maronite-Cypriot families have decided to return to the village of Kormakitis in the occupied areas with the support of the RoC government, and two of them have spoken to Alithia about their life.

According to the report, the families that have moved to their village of origin permanently are using the support of a special government programme led by the Ministry for Social Policy and Labour, and is a part of the RoC’s policy to strengthen enclaved populations in the north.

Anna Maria Kommatou told Alithia that her family began the process of moving five years ago and that initially they were building summer house in the village. However they decided to move permanently to Kormakitis when they were informed that they could have family support. She said they do not regret the decision since the children in the family have an opportunity to be in contact with nature. The Maronite-Cypriots of the village also have started community programmes such as programmes for teaching children the Maronite Arabic dialect.

Kommatou said that there are difficulties when it comes to travelling to Nicosia daily for work and for school, but that everything can be arranged with a good schedule. She added that for now there are other problems such as there being no easy access to bakeries or shops.

Shaplos Shammoutis told Alithia that his family moved to Kormakitis three years ago to be close to his parents, and that they repaired his grandfather’s old home. He said that life could be easier if the village’s school was still operation, and that for now the old nursery is being used for weekend activities for the children.


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