Front Page Headlines
‘Support for a federal solution’
The Republican Turkish Party’s (CTP) Party Assembly has unanimously decided to support independent presidential candidate Mustafa Akıncı in the second round.
- Akıncı: “We have a common denominator with the CTP. For years we struggled on the same path”
- Tatar visited the CTP: ‘Polarisation should end’
- A frightening situation in the South: 83 new cases. Republic of Cyprus (RoC) Health Minister: “The situation is worrying”
Preparations for the second round
The second round of the presidential elections will be held on October 18. The National Unity Party (UBP) candidate Ersin Tatar and independent candidate Mustafa Akıncı met with the leaders of the three political parties yesterday (Tuesday) to evaluate the process. Rebirth Party (YDP) Central Executive Board (MYK) decided to support Tatar, the CTP Party Assembly Akıncı. All eyes are now focused on the decisions to be taken by the Democratic Party (DP), People’s Party (HP) and the Social Democratic Party (TDP).
- “If Maraş (Varosha) is reopened, I will return to my home” – Dimitris Lordos, son of Andreas Lordos, who owned the highest amount of property in the fended-off town, came back to see his luxurious house and his hotels in the reopened coastal area of Maraş (Varosha).
- 83 cases in 24 hours – Highest ever number of positive coronavirus cases in the south.
Akıncı for a federal solution
The CTP Party Assembly decided by unanimous vote to support independent candidate Mustafa Akıncı in the second round of the elections to be held on Sunday.
- “BRT is like UBP TV” – Incumbent President and independent candidate Mustafa Akıncı harshly criticised the Bayrak for its bias broadcasts in favour of the National Unity Party’s (UBP) candidate.
- YDP supports Tatar.
- “Maraş (Varosha) belongs to Turkish Cypriots” – Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Ömer Çelik said.
- EU concerned about Maraş (Varosha).
Excitement is in the air
While the CTP decided to support Akıncı, the YDP’s Central Executive Committee proposed that the party should support Tatar conditionally. The UBP’s leader and Prime Minister Ersin Tatar who will be running in the second round of the presidential elections visited the CTP, the HP and DP to seek their support. The CTP’s Party Assembly in a unanimous vote decided to support Akıncı. The CTP leader Tufan Erhürman had received 21.71 per cent of the votes in the first round. The YDP’s Central Executive Committee which convened last night decided to support Tatar on certain conditions. The decision will be put to a vote at tonight’s party assembly meeting. According to information obtained by Diyalog, the YDP’s conditions include Tatar not taking part in federation negotiations, the discussion of alternative models at the negotiating table and for a representative from the YDP to take part in the talks.
- Worrying – The number of cases in the South rose to 83 per cent in a single day.
- Speaker of the House next –Al Jazeera’s report on the ‘Golden Passport’ scandal rocked South Cyprus. AKEL’s MP Christakis Giovanis was forced to resign.
CTP gives full support to Akıncı
In a unanimous voted the CTP decided to support independent candidate Mustafa Akıncı in the second round of the elections to be held on Sunday.
- The “golden passport” scandal shock in the south – Speaker of the parliament Demetris Syllouris and Akel MP Christakis Giovanis resigned.
- One case in the north, 83 cases in the south – The coronavirus cases in the south are on the rise.
Main News
Tatar & Akıncı seek support of political parties for the second round
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Governance & Power Sharing, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Both Ersin Tatar and Mustafa Akıncı on Tuesday launched visits to the political parties with the hope of winning their support for the second round of the elections set to take place this Sunday.
Both candidates, in turn, visited the Republican Turkish Party’s (CTP), the People’s Party (HP) and the Democratic Party’s (DP) offices on Tuesday.
The CTP whose candidate Tufan Erhürman came in third in last Sunday’s elections for the new Turkish Cypriot leader, announced late on Tuesday that it will back incumbent President Mustafa during the second round.
The decision was adopted unanimously by the CTP’s party assembly.
Erhürman had garnered 21.68 per cent of the votes and gaining the backing of his party is now expected to tip the balance for Akıncı.
Tatar pulled ahead in Sunday’s first-round with 32.35 per cent compared to 29.84 per cent for Akıncı.
Akıncı is running as an independent and Tatar is backed by his party, the National Unity Party (UBP).
The central executive committee of the Rebirth Party (YDP) whose candidate Erhan Arıklı had won 5.36 per cent of the votes in Sunday’s election announced late on Tuesday that it will conditionally support Tatar in the second round.
Despite some objections within the party, the decision was adopted unanimously by the party’s committee.
It will be put to the vote at the YDP assembly tonight.
According to Diyalog newspaper, the YDP will support Tatar on the condition that he does not negotiate a federal settlement but other alternative solution models and that a representative from the YDP will take part in the talks.
The CTP’s decision to back Akıncı was expected by many since both are in favour of a federal solution to the Cyprus problem.
Analysts predicted that most CTP supporters would support Akıncı even if the party’s official stance remains otherwise.
Tatar on the other hand, backed by Turkey has stated he will not negotiate a federal settlement and promotes alternative solutions such as a two-state solution or seeking recognition of the north.
Hence, the YDP which also supports a two-state solution, recognition of the north and closer ties with Turkey revealed on Tuesday night that it’s leaning towards supporting Tatar in the second round.
A statement issued following the CTP party assembly meeting on Tuesday said that Erhürman throughout his campaign had highlighted the importance of dialogue, understanding and a solution, as well as the challenges, faced both domestically and abroad.
“The CTP had emphasized that these problems could only be overcome through solidarity and a unifying stance. That is why the CTP made great efforts to lower tensions that rose during the first round of the elections,” the statement read.
The party said that all sides needed to refrain from actions that would disrupt the democratic environment in the country.
It justified its decision arguing that it has always pursued a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem on a federal basis.
It also said that with its years of experience, is aware that Turkish Cypriots’ will for a comprehensive solution constitutes the legitimate ground for their demand to open up to the world and to lift the restrictions they have been subjected to in many areas.
“In this context, the CTP Party Assembly decided to support Mr Mustafa Akıncı who declared that he will serve in line with these principles, among the two candidates who will compete in the second round of the presidential elections to be held on October 18,” the party said.
Speaking earlier after meeting with Erhürman, Akıncı had said that he had not made any requests, pointing to the existence of a common denominator with CTP, and recalled the party’s significant support in the second round of the 2015 election when he was elected for the first time as president.
Tatar, after his meeting with the CTP, on the other hand, had stressed the importance of avoiding polarisation among society and called on the people to vote in the second round.
Erhürman said that despite their disagreements on several issues, mainly the Cyprus problem, CTP and UBP are the two parties that are deeply rooted in the north and that their main goal was easing tensions and the polarisation that has been observed during the election period to solve the problems Turkish Cypriots face both internally and abroad.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the HP’s leader Yenal Senin, Tatar said that he had asked for the support of the Peoples’ Party after discussing the positions of their respective parties.
Senin for his part said that they had held a productive meeting during which they had discussed the elections and Cyprus Issue.
Earlier last week, the HP had quit the coalition with the UBP after being kept in the dark on the opening of a section of the fenced-off city of Maraş (Varosha).
Senin said that it would be ultimately the party assembly that would decide on whom to support.
Akıncı also visited the HP late on Tuesday.
Speaking after the meeting, Akıncı said that everyone needed to vote with their conscience and inner voice on Tuesday.
He said that if re-elected he will be adopting a more institutional as well as participatory process.
Akıncı added that all political parties, civil society organisations needed to take part in this process and that he was ready to cooperate on all segments of society on domestic issues as well as the Cyprus Issue.
He pointed out that there had been cooperation with the Greek Cypriot side on several issues ranging from interconnectivity to island-wide mobile phone operability.
Senin for his part said that they had exchanged a wide array of issues with Akıncı, particularly the second round.
He added that what was important for them was an end to polarization, the Cyprus Issue as well as cooperation on the issue of hydrocarbons.
Senin said that steps needed to be taken towards a comprehensive solution and that failure to do so will only lead to the further heightening of tensions.
He added that the party assembly which will convene on Wednesday has the final say on which of the candidates the HP will support in the second round.
Former HP leader and independent candidate Kudret Özersay was the biggest loser of the first round only having received 5.74 per cent of the votes compared to five years ago when he had won over 20 per cent of the votes in his electoral debut.
The two candidates final visits on Tuesday were to the DP.
Speaking after meeting with the DP leader Fikri Ataoğlu, Tatar said that their two parties have always been close ideologically.
Tatar said that he had asked for the party’s support for Sunday’s second round.
He also expressed the hope that voter turnout will be much higher than last Sunday.
Ataoğlu for his part renewed his party’s call to voters to vote on Sunday.
Independent candidate Serdar Denktaş who was supported by his former party the DP performed poorly in Sunday’s election only able to win 4.20 per cent of the votes.
The DP’s party assembly is to decide who it will support in the second round.
Turkey’s research in the East Med draws harsh criticism from the US
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis , Diyalog , Avrupa
Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Ankara’s decision to deploy Oruç Reis seismic research vessel to carry out hydrocarbon exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean has drawn criticism from the US and Germany.
“Coercion, threats, intimidation, and military activity will not resolve tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. We urge Turkey to end this calculated provocation and immediately begin exploratory talks with Greece,” US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said, adding Washington “deplores” Ankara’s decision.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy slammed the US State Department’s statement on the activities of Oruç Reis.
“There is a serious contradiction in the statements issued by the State Department. It first rejects the Sevilla Map, which reflects the Greek and the Greek Cypriot side’s maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean but now is asking Ankara to withdraw its seismic research vessel, which is currently working within Turkey’s continental shelf,” Aksoy said.
He added that the same contradictions and inconsistencies can also be seen in the statements made by the EU countries as well.
“Tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean is not raised by Turkey,” Aksoy stressed and added Ankara has been sharing the Greek activities aimed at escalating tension since September 12.
In another development, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also criticised Turkey for redeploying the vessel, calling the unilateral move a blow to efforts to start negotiations in the conflict.
Maas, whose trip was supposed to mediate and reduce tensions in the region, said he had deliberately left Ankara out of his itinerary.
“My decision only to travel to Nicosia and Athens today is owing to the current developments that we have been talking about,” he added.
“It is up to Turkey to create the conditions for talks,” Maas concluded.
On the other hand, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar reiterated Ankara’s position and called relevant parties to come forth for dialogue to resolve the problems in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
“There are areas where we have jurisdiction in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean and this is not a threat to anyone,” said Akar. He added that the Oruç Reis research vessel will carry on with its planned and programmed activities.
He also underlined that Turkey’s maritime borders have been recorded by the UN.
Akar argued that the Oruç Reis research vessel will carry out scientific and technical work in the area.
“Nonetheless, all sorts of attempts were being made to raise tension in the region therefore, the Turkish navy and the armed forces will continue to accompany the Oruç Reis research vessel during its mission,” Akar argued.
Turkey is in favour of good neighbourly relations, respecting bilateral agreements in accordance with international law and customs in resolving all its problems, he said on developments in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus.
“Do not test us. Let’s solve whatever needs to be done through talks, through dialogue,” Akar concluded.
EU reminds UNSC resolutions for Maraş (Varosha)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis , Diyalog , Avrupa
Property, Territory, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar’s PR stunt to gain an advantage over the other candidates in the October 11 elections, continued to receive international condemnation on Tuesday.
The EU expressed its grave concern over the decision to proceed with the opening of two avenues in the fenced-off town of Maraş (Varosha). In a statement issued, the EU underlined the importance of the status of Maraş (Varosha), as set out in relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) and will continue to be guided by them.
“The EU reiterates that full respect of relevant UNSC resolutions is crucial and calls for the immediate reversal of recent actions,” the statement read.
The EU also noted that it supports the speedy resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, and remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded.
“It expects the same of Turkey,” the statement stressed.
The statement concluded by reiterating the EU’s readiness and willingness to play an active role in supporting the negotiations process.
In the meantime, Dimitris Lordos, whose name is almost synonymous with Maraş (Varosha) returned to the town 46 years later to see his house and his hotel properties, the dailies report on Wednesday.
Lordos, whose family owns eight hotels in the fenced-off town, said he has hopes for the future of the town and added that he will return if the town is reopened.
“I hope the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots will live in peace together in Maraş (Varosha) and will redevelop the town together,” Lordos said.
Speaking to the members of the media during his visit, Lordos said he has mixed feelings seeing his old house.
“It was not so much the property that we left behind but our memories when we were forced to leave Maraş (Varosha). We left behind our dreams,” Lordos said, as tears filled his eyes.
Lordos pointed out that his father 47 at the time when they had forced to flee Maraş (Varosha) and he had to start from scratch after becoming a refugee in the south.
“Now our family owns many tourist facilities but if Maraş (Varosha) is reopened, we will return to the town and invest here by either demolishing the old structures and building new ones or by restoring the old buildings,” Lordos concluded.
On the other hand, speaking to Kıbrıs, National Unity Party (UBP) MP Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu said the reopening of Maraş (Varosha) was in the best interest of the Turkish Cypriot people both economically and politically.
“The lack of a solution in Cyprus has reached a new dimension following the reopening of the coastal area of Maraş (Varosha)…We will from now on, adopt a more proactive position,” Hasipoğlu said.
He added that the Turkish Cypriot side will not be forced to wait for the day the Greek Cypriot side is forthcoming to a solution on the island.
“The reopening of the coastal part of Maraş (Varosha) was the first phase. It will continue to be opened phase by phase. The applications made by Greek Cypriots to the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) will also be evaluated and all decisions will be adopted in line with international law,” Hasipoğlu concluded.
“Maraş (Varosha) belongs to Turkish Cypriots,” Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Ömer Çelik said on Tuesday.
Speaking following the AKP’s Central Executive Board meeting, Çelik rejected so-called “concerns” for the area.
“It is not true that there are any violations of rights in the fenced-off town. We support the Turkish Cypriot government’s decision to reopen Maraş (Varosha). Allegations that the reopening is a violation of the existing UN Security Council resolutions are not true. This area we are talking about belongs to the Turkish Cypriots, therefore no one has any right to say in the fenced-off town other than the Turkish Cypriots,” Çelik stressed.
“The international community must revise their approach in accordance with the realities on the island and not based on what the Greek Cypriot side says,” Çelik concluded.
Restoration work at the Arabahmet area nears the end
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis , Diyalog , Avrupa
CBMs, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
“The restoration of the walls in the Arabahmet area, which had stopped due to coronavirus pandemic in early April, is nearing completion, the Turkish Cypriot member of the bicommunal technical committee on Cultural Heritage, Ali Tuncay said on Tuesday.
In a post on social media, Tuncay expressed his gratitude to members of the cultural heritage committee, its advisory board and the experts in the UNDP for their strenuous work before and during the restoration project.
Tuncay also thanked the EU for providing financing for the restoration project.
“There is always hope as long as we believe in ourselves and work hard,” Tuncay concluded.