Front Page Headlines
Under infringement procedures, as a passport peddler
Cyprus incorrigible, despite warnings and international humiliation. The Commission has lost its patience with Cyprus and Malta and moves to infringement procedures that lead to the Court of Justice of the EU. A rain of new applications for exceptional naturalisation until November 1st, even though it has been pointed out that it is an unacceptable practice of “selling European values”. Testimonies taken over Al Jazeera videos, with indications that Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovanni committed criminal offences.
- Cyprus Problem: Guterres committed
- Trilateral with Egypt: Coordination with Turkish provocations in the background
- EU – Turkey: Customs Union a tool for leverage
Commission puts an end (to citizenship scheme)
It makes clear that it will not allow sale of the citizenship of the European Union to continue. The Syllouris scandal forces Brussels to shut down the golden passport business.
- With “two states” in his agenda – The son of the first Auditor General of the Republic
- Cases with symptoms increase: Concerns peak for those needing hospitalisation
- British real estate agent found and he talked: An important development opens the way for investigations in “Syllouris-gate” – Meeting of investigators in Law Office
- Instructions by Ministry of Interior: Two illegal floors of Giovani’s Sun City to be demolished
- Discussion on Customs Union again next year
- And on top of it all, scenarios for early parliamentary elections
- Foreign workers arrivals slow to a drip
President saw targeting in 2019, now?
“Thunderbolts” from the Commission on government handling. European Parliament picks up the torch of ridicule tomorrow. They refuse an investigation, as they want to hide their dirty laundry.
- Pre-agreement before informal five-party meeting
- Virus spread out of control. Another 152 new cases yesterday
- Spending markedly reduced and funds not used for refugee (displaced) housing
- Giannakis Gavriel in Parliament with special reference to Famagusta’s problems
Brussels acts on golden passports
No citizenship schemes going forward, Commission says.
- Johnson says settlement in everyone’s best interest, UNSG ‘remains committed’
- Cyprus: Hospitals say ready for second wave, 152 cases
Double European front against Cyprus
Golden passports: Reactions about issue of giving citizenships. Yesterday Commission set in motion procedures on infringement of European law against us and Malta, while intense decisions begin in European Parliament tomorrow on the same issue. Commission encourages retroactive audit of passports.
- While Guterres says he is committed to five-party meeting and Borrell and Ferreira call for negotiations for a federal solution: First bombshell from Tatar: Other solution models need to be discussed – What the T/C leader says about Interpol warrant that that was pending regarding him – Meeting with Anastasiades next week
- Diplomatic counter-attack: Greece asks for suspension of EU – Turkey Customs Union and for an arms embargo
- Coronavirus: Another 152 cases announced yesterday
Main News
Guterres ready for gradual restart – Tatar says he wants more options
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Oikonomiki Kathimerini, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process, Governance & Power Sharing, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that UNSG Antonio Guterres has signalled, through a statement by a UN spokesperson, that he is committed to investigating the prospects of a possible informal five-party meeting (the two Cypriot sides plus the three guarantor powers) and called on all sides and relevant actors to avoid unilateral actions.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the UNSG notes Tatar’s election and remains committed to support the two sides in restarting negotiations, and that he will explore the possibility of an unofficial five-party meeting at an appropriate time.
He underlined that for the UNSG, the only way forward is the return to negotiations for a lasting solution that will benefit all Cypriots. Dujarric also said that there is no time table on the meeting of the two leaders with the UN and the guarantors.
Guterres also underlines the need for confidence building between the two sides and calls on all involved actors to avoid unilateral moves that could undermine efforts to restart negotiations.
Haravgi reports, citing information from New York and Nicosia, that Guterres is possibly moving slowly as he wants to make sure that an unofficial meeting will be successful in restarting negotiations from where they had left off in Crans Montana. The prospects of a process will be assessed through a new round of contacts for the UNSG’s temporary envoy, Jane Holl Lute.
Haravgi also cites information that President Anastasiades insists that he is ready to continue negotiations from where they were left off in Crans Montana, without clearly mentioning whether he accepts the six points of the Guterres framework.
At the same time, the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Cohesion Elisa Ferreira also commented on Tatar’s election, and called for a return to negotiations as soon as possible, under UN parameters, with respect to Security Council resolutions, especially on Varosha, and in line with EU principles and values.
In a joint statement, Borrell and Ferreira sent the message to Tatar that it is important now to see from the T/C side a constructive commitment towards the goal of a comprehensive solution. They added that a solution in Cyprus would be in the island’s as well as to the EU’s best interest, and expressed the readiness of the EU to be active during the negotiations. Stability and safety in the Eastern Mediterranean and the development of cooperation with all actors of the region are in the EU’s strategic interest, they pointed out.
On Tuesday it was announced that President Anastasiades and new T/C leader Ersin Tatar will be having a first social meeting on Monday. Oikonomiki Kathimerini reports, citing T/C sources, that the meeting will be focused on the two leaders getting to know each other. The newspaper notes that Tatar had also met with the leadership of DISY before he became “prime minister”, as the leader of conservative UBP, and that he is not negative to having contacts with the G/C side.
Meanwhile, the dailies report on Ersin Tatar’s first statements after his election as T/C leader. Alithia reports that Tatar said that he believes the two leaders should also discuss models other than a federation. Tatar said that after 50 years of discussing a federation with no result, there should be other alternatives on the table.
In an interview in Haber Kibris reproduced in part by Alithia, Tatar said that in their telephone conversation, himself and President Anastasiades addressed each other on a first name and that the G/C side knows the T/C position on the Cyprus Problem. He added though that the international community does not and that he hopes to be the community’s voice abroad, something he has requested help on from Turkish President Tayip Erdogan.
Tatar was also called to comment on whether he will be able to travel abroad due to the Interpol warrant that was pending for his arrest for his involvement in the Polly Peck scandal. He said that he has no problems travelling abroad and that he can cross also to the south where he has G/C friends.
Tatar also rejected talk of the north being incorporated into Turkey, pointing out that this is not on the agenda and that it was never put forward by Turkey.
Oikonomiki Kathimerini reports that Tatar is expected to meet Erdogan and other Turkish officials next week, and that the two are expected to lay down a joint road map for the Turkish side.
Phileleftheros also has a story on the Tatar’s family background, noting that he is the son of the first Auditor General of the Republic of Cyprus, Rustem Tatar. The report presents a short biography of Rustem Tatar, pointing out that he withdrew from his position during the conflicts of 1963 and that he was a finance “minister” in the first T/C administration after the invasion.
The newspaper also notes that Tatar senior had been involved in corruption cases and that in 1981 he was arrested at Tymbou airport while he was attempting to fly away with a huge amount of foreign currency in his luggage. Tatar senior has since been found not guilty at “court”.
Phileleftheros also recalls that Ersin Tatar’s name was involved in the Polly Peck scandal in the UK, in connection with the illegal activities of Turkish-Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir. Tatar was working at the company and was considered to be one of Nadir’s closer confidants.
The dailies also report on statements by Turkish Cypriot parties – Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and United Cyprus Party (BKP) – who called Turkey’s intervention in the elections as a black spot in the community’s democratic history. They also cover Avrupa’s report that the result of the elections is partly affected by the fact that settlers seem now to be in the majority in the north.
Politis also reports that Tatar’s election is bringing about political developments in the north as the positions of the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) and of the “prime minister” will need to be filled. UBP will be selecting a new president in a conference which could take place on November 1st. Also, a discussion has begun whether the north should go into early “legislative” elections or move forward with an interim “government”.
According to the newspaper, there are currently two scenarios. Either UBP will form an interim minority “government” with far-right Rebirth Party (YDP) that will take the north to elections, or a wider coalition between UBP, Rebirth, Kudret Ozersay’s People’s Party (HP) and the T/C Democratic Party (TDP) will form a new “government”. The second scenario is seen as unlikely.
Politis also reports on information that Tatar is considering a close associate of Kudret Ozersay as the new T/C negotiator, or the appointment of Rauf Ali Denktas, who is a grandson of former TC leader Rauf Denktas.
Greece asks for EU to suspend Customs Union with Turkey
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Oikonomiki Kathimerini, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Regional/ International Relations, External Security, Energy
OVERVIEW
Politis reports that Greece is using its diplomatic leverage in order to get Turkey to step back from its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, by pushing for a suspension of the country’s Customs Union with the EU, as well as suggesting an arms embargo.
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides told Sigma TV that Greece and Cyprus had asked for the cancellation of a meeting of the EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee that was due to discuss the updating of the Customs Union on that day. As a result, the EU informed Turkey that the meeting could no longer be held.
Christodoulides noted that Turkey’s relationship with the EU on this and other fields will depend on the country’s stance on the issues addressed in the conclusions of the October 1st European Council.
Politis also reports that Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday that Turkey is ready for dialogue with Greece, and that problems cannot be solved with faits accomplis and pressures.
At the same time, Greek media reports Greece sent a letter to Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, requesting that the EU-Turkey Customs Union be put on ice. According to the same reports, Greek Foreign Minister Nicos Dendias asked Germany, Italy and Spain to agree on an arms embargo on Turkey.
The Commission confirmed that it had received the letters from the Greek government, a spokesperson said, adding that Brussels will reply shortly. Another spokesperson said that High Representative Borrell received a second letter from Dendias, and that he cannot say more.
European People’s Party (EPP) parliamentary group leader Manfred Weber also said on Tuesday that the time for diplomacy with Turkey has ended and that the continuing provocations of the country should be apparent to all. Weber said he would support any lawful reaction by the EU, including suspending the Customs Union. He noted however that this is a difficult aim as it would affect many member states.
Cyprus Mail reports that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis talked on Tuesday with British counterpart Boris Johnson and that they also discussed the Cyprus problem. According to a briefing by the Greek government to journalists, Mitsotakis informed Johnson of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and expressed the country’s readiness for finding solutions through diplomacy. Regarding the Cyprus problem, they agreed that solving the issue would be to everyone’s benefit.
In another development, deputy government spokesperson Panagiotis Sentonas said on Tuesday that Wednesday’s trilateral meeting between President Anastasiades, Egyptian President Sisi and Greek prime minister Mitsotakis in Nicosia is sending a message to all in the region that the three countries ready to work for peace and stability.
Sentonas also said that the 8th Trilateral Summit between Cyprus, Egypt and Greece has an added weight as it comes during a period of Turkish provocations. He also said that the leaders will discuss the latest developments in the region, including the prospects of a return to negotiations on the Cyprus Problem.
Women’s organisation to protest for Famagusta at Deryneia checkpoint
Politis
Human Rights, CBMs, Territory
OVERVIEW
Politis reports that women’s organisations, unions, social platforms and prominent personalities have announced they will be holding a protest against the opening of the Varosha beachfront by Turkey, at the Deryneia checkpoint.
The protest will be held next Sunday, October 25th, in the afternoon, with its main slogan being “Women demand Freedom, Return, Peace and Reunification”.
In a statement, the organisers say that they protest “for reunification, return and peace,” adding, “we ask for the restart of negotiations for a comprehensive solution and call on all to unite our voices” for Famagusta.
Commission launches infringement procedures over passports
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Migration & Citizenship, Internal Security, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Cyprus and Malta regarding their citizenship-through-investment programmes, which, according to a Commission spokesperson, as seen essentially as the sale of European passports by those member states.
All the dailies report on the announcement and particularly on comments made by Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand. When asked to comment on the government’s announcement that it would end its programme on November 1st, Wigand said that the Commission is aware of the announcement, but notes that the programme remains in place, that the government is processing pending applications, and that there already calls in Cyprus for the establishment of a new programme.
Wigand underlined that for the Commission, there should no longer be programmes that sell citizenship from this point forward.
In its announcement, the Commission points out that the granting of nationality, and by extension of an EU passport, in exchange for pre-determined payments or investments is not compatible with the principle of sincere cooperation and undermines the integrity of European citizenship, as defined in the EU treaties.
In a tweet, Commissioner for Justice Vera Jourova said that the infringement proceedings against Cyprus and Malta began because there cannot be a weak link in EU efforts to curb corruption and money laundering.
The subject is due to be discussed in the plenary of the European Parliament on Thursday, Alithia and Haravgi report, with Haravgi pointing out that the title of the discussion concerns the security risks involved in selling passports to the EU to criminals.
Politis reports that on Tuesday there was a meeting in the office of the Attorney General, George Savvides, on the next step of the investigations in the golden passports scandal. The police briefed the Attorney General on the likelihood of criminal offences perpetrated by those involved in leaking documents to Al Jazeera, as well as possible criminal offences by former Speaker of the House Demetris Syllouris and former MP Christakis Giovanni who were featured in the international network’s video. The reporters from Al Jazeera have said they are ready to testify in order to help their work be accepted as proof in court.
Meanwhile the dailies report that Giannakis Gavriel has been sworn in as Famagusta MP for AKEL, replacing Christakis Giovanni.
Energy Minister says government in coordination with oil companies
Haravgi
Energy, Regional/ International Relations, External Security
OVERVIEW
Energy Minister Natasa Pelides said during an event organised by the Paphos Chamber of Industry and Commerce that the Cypriot hydrocarbons exploration and extraction programme is continuing without further hitches, despite the fact that all work is temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus situation.
Pelides said that she will be meeting representatives of Total and ENI on Tuesday, as well as that the government is constant coordination with ExxonMobil regarding the new drilling that has been scheduled for September or October of 2021.
Regarding the Aphrodite gas field, Pelides said that the government is in contact with Chevron, Delek and Shell regarding developments on the ownership of the gas field, and she expressed the hope that the second wave of the coronavirus will not bring additional obstacles.
Pelides also said that the hydrocarbon companies are affected by the pandemic, also due to the upset it has caused in oil and gas markets and prices.