Front Page Headlines
A wreck
Neither a government formula nor plans for a congress emerged at the end of all the interference in the country’s democracy and political will. The process to hold a congress at the National Unity Party (UBP) which has left the country without a government for the first time in its history has turned into chaos. UBP was preparing to elect Ersan Saner, after being handed the mandate by President Ersin Tatar to form the new government, when the new party leader was rocked with new developments. Faiz Sucuoğlu, who was expected to win last week’s leadership elections until he withdrew from the race, said he would be running again. UBP once again brought the country to a deadlock. Sucuoğlu said, “I listened to advice and warnings to withdraw from the race but I was forced to watch my beloved party spiral into chaos after I decided to withdraw. I have decided to run in Saturday’s extraordinary congress for the love of my country, the motherland and my supporters.” Ersan Saner on the other hand said that he had the reassurance of the MPs that they would stand by him if he succeeded in forming the new government. However, Sucuoğlu hinted he had no intention of becoming prime minister. “My decision is for the party’s leadership. I would like everyone to know that the post of prime minister is not a priority,” he said. All eyes have now turned to the UBP congress.
- UBP returns home empty-handed – CTP (Republican Turkish Party): Party’s stance is not positive. HP (People’s Party) says no to a coalition with UBP. TDP (Social Democratic Party): We will not be part of a formation formed via interference. (Rebirth Party) YDP gives support on condition of early elections. Warm approach from DP (Democratic Party).
- “The Democracy and Political Will March set to take place in Nicosia this evening (Tuesday)”
In search of a government
UBP’s acting leader Ersan Saner and accompanying delegation visited CTP, HP, TDP, DP and YDP. CTP, HP and TDP did not agree to enter a coalition with UBP. DP and YDP on the other hand displayed a positive approach.
- He is believed to have fled to South Cyprus – Suspect Taşkın Güneş who had fired shots at a coffee shop in Gemikonağı (Karavostasi) injuring three people, one critically, has disappeared.
UBP in a mess
Faiz Sucuoğlu, who was forced to withdraw from the leadership race due to Ankara’s opposition, has nevertheless decided to run, claiming that this is what the party’s base wants. Sucuoğlu had advanced to the second round receiving the highest number of votes at the UBP extraordinary congress but then withdrew after being declared persona non grata by Ankara. In a shocking decision, Sucuoğlu announced he will be a candidate again.
- Marching for democracy and political will – A group, outraged by the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) interference in the presidential elections, organised itself on social media and will be on the streets tonight (Tuesday). The ‘Democracy and Political Will March’ will commence at 6pm at the ‘Citroen Junction’ in Dereboyu (northern end of Shakespeare Avenue) and will be completed at İnönü Square (North Nicosia old town, near Kyrenia Gate).
- HP rejects UBP – The HP’s Party Assembly rejected with a majority vote to enter into a coalition with UBP. HP is ready to evaluate government models with a broad base.
- UBP is in a tight spot – The UBP Central Executive Board and the Party Assembly will convene to discuss efforts to form a government and the upcoming congress.
- Not with UBP – CTP, visited first by UBP’s acting leader Ersan Saner as part of the effort to form a government, gave a clear answer.
- “We are not going to be an accomplice to meddling” – UBP acting leader Saner was offered coffee and sent off with a rejection from TDP.
- Cautious flirtation with DP – UBP’s acting leader Ersan Saner visited DP within the efforts to form a government. Both parties agree that the country should not be left without a government.
- Saner left YDP to the end – Saner held his last meeting, in line with the efforts to form a government, with YDP.
Come on UBP
As Saner was trying to form a new government, Sucuoğlu changed his mind, announcing that he will run for the party’s leadership on Saturday. Efforts to form a new government left hanging in the air. With the latest development, Sucuoğlu is expected to run against Saner on Saturday. The last-minute decision announced by Sucuoğlu, who promised to give a detailed statement to Diyalog today (Tuesday), not only shocked the party but the country as well. Hasan Taçoy, who received the second-highest number of votes in the first round, said he stood by his word and would not be running at the congress set to take place on Saturday.
UBP a total mess
A new scandal was added to UBP’s long list of scandals. UBP will hold yet another congress on November 14. Based on the recommendation made by the UBP Parliamentary group, the acting leader Ersan Saner will be the only candidate for the leadership. The Party Assembly, which is expected to convene today (Tuesday), is likely to approve the congress with a single candidate.
- “The March for Democracy and Political Will” to be held today (Tuesday) – Mustafa Akıncı, who recently underwent surgery will also attend the march. Serdar Denktaş announced he will attend the march even though his party, DP said it will not. The march will commence at 6pm at Dereboyu in north Nicosia and will end at İnönü Square.
- Three positive coronavirus cases in the north and 111 in the south.
Main News
Internal strife within UBP dominates north’s agenda
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
The ongoing power struggle and internal strife within the National Unity Party (UBP) has led to a crisis of government in the north and continues to dominate the political agenda.
Efforts on Monday by acting UBP leader Ersin Saner to form a new government was left hanging in the air after Faiz Sucuoğlu, who had withdrawn from the race amid speculation of meddling by Ankara, announced he had changed his mind.
Saner, who was caught off guard by the announcement, said that he had in writing the assurances of UBP MPs that they would support his efforts to form a new government and to stand beside him if he succeeds.
He also said that there was currently no decision as to when the new congress will be held.
“It is not possible to announce one’s candidacy without a date for a congress. I have not been informed of such a development. It’s not right to talk about these things. UBP has 12,000 members and if there is to be a congress everyone has the right to run for the party’s leadership,” he said.
Before Sucuoğlu’s announcement, Saner had been handed the mandate to form the new government by former UBP leader and newly elected President Ersin Tatar and was expected to be nominated for the party leadership at a new congress set to take place in the coming days.
The UBP’s Central Executive Committee and the party’s assembly will be convening on Tuesday afternoon to discuss how to proceed with the new party congress.
Sucuoğlu’s rival in the second round, Hasan Taçoy, said he remained loyal to his decision not to run.
Unconfirmed reports on Monday said that a new party congress could be held as soon as November 14.
The party had called off its 11th extraordinary congress on Thursday last week after the two candidates Faiz Sucuoğlu and Hasan Taçoy unexpectedly announced they were withdrawing from the race, amid speculation that Ankara had opposed Sucuoğlu’s candidacy.
Announcing his decision to run again, Sucuoğlu said that his initial decision to withdraw from the race last week was based on ‘advice’ and ‘warnings’.
“But I was forced to watch my beloved party spiral into chaos after I decided to withdraw. I have decided to run in Saturday’s extraordinary congress for the love of my country, the motherland and my supporters.”
Sucuoğlu also stated he had no intention of becoming prime minister.
“My decision is for the party’s leadership. I would like everyone to know that the post of prime minister is not my priority.”
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman was quick to respond to news on Sucuoğlu’s candidacy for the UBP leadership.
Speaking on Bayrak, Erhürman questioned why UBP was holding talks with parties to form a coalition if there was to be a change of leadership.
“Political irresponsibility and lack of seriousness at its peak!” Erhürman said as he lashed out at UBP.
“Why did we hold talks today (Monday) to form a new government? Do any of the issues discussed during the meeting carry any weight anymore?” he asked angrily.
He argued it is no longer possible to talk about ‘political will’ at UBP anymore.
“Everyone is clear about meddling in the elections. UBP should not have any expectations for CTP to meet with them again following a leadership election with many candidates,” Erhürman said, adding that he was finding it difficult to take UBP seriously.
“Mr Ersin Tatar is responsible for the current situation within UBP. They have become blinded with their internal issues,” Erhürman concluded.
Meanwhile, Saner met with leaders of the political parties with seats in the Turkish Cypriot parliament earlier on Monday but was unsuccessful in winning the favour of either CTP or the Peoples’ Party (HP).
Some analysts say that an early election has become inevitable now that both CTP and HP, who hold the highest number of seats in parliament, have turned down UBP.
Erhürman told reporters after the meeting that his party did not favour entering a coalition with UBP, citing differences in views, primarily on the Cyprus issue.
HP convened its party assembly last night after meeting with Saner, and also voted against a new coalition with UBP.
The HP leader Yenal Senin said after the meeting that the party supported a broader government model, one that would address and tackle the country’s economic problems as well as challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit told reporters after meeting with Saner that his party was opposed to being part of a coalition formed with UBP.
“It is out of the question for us to be an accomplice to a formation that was created through interference,” Özyiğit said.
Saner received a warmer welcome from the Democratic Party (DP) which expressed its readiness to be part of a new coalition government.
Speaking afterwards, DP leader Fikri Ataoğlu argued that all parties in parliament should support a government of action.
“We are ready to do our part and to support any new government,” he said.
Saner for his part welcomed DP’s enthusiasm, stating that they had held a detailed meeting on forming a possible coalition.
The meeting with YDP also ended on a positive note.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Arıklı repeated his party’s position that the YDP would support any new government formation on the condition that early elections will be held at a date that would be acceptable.
“We are ready to support the government either as a coalition partner or from the outside. We will most likely be meeting again in the coming days,” Arıklı added.
The YDP leader also underlined the need to form a government as soon as possible.
Dispute over UBP’s Maraş (Varosha) decision continues
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Property, Territory, Governance & Power Sharing, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Divided viewpoints on Maraş (Varosha) dominated the agenda during Monday’s session at the Turkish Cypriot parliamentary assembly.
While the opposition parties slammed the government over its decision on the fenced-off town, the parties that subscribe to Ankara’s viewpoint continued to defend the move to allow access to the beachfront.
The leader of the main opposition CTP Tufan Erhürman highlighted the need for compliance with international law.
“We want Maraş (Varosha) to be reopened in line with international law. There are also provisions in relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions for the management structure of the town,” Erhürman stressed.
He pointed out the relevant UNSC resolutions 550 and 789 and their provisions and warned that it would be wrong to carry out any activities by disregarding international law.
Erhürman, moreover, argued that the Turkish Cypriot authorities are not even aware of the developments in the fenced-off town.
Referring to the recent visit to the town by the Turkish Minister of Urban Development, the CTP leader claimed that the Konya Municipality in Turkey knew more about the developments in Maraş (Varosha) than the main opposition leader in the north.
Murat Kurum, Turkish Minister for Environment and Urban Development, had visited the fenced-off town on October 28. Following his visit, Kurum announced that the Konya Municipality and TOKİ (Turkey’s government-backed housing agency) would rebuild the public areas as well as the town’s infrastructure.
Speaking after Erhürman, YDP leader Erhan Arıklı pointed out that the planned activity in Maraş (Varosha) has upset various circles in the north.
“There are more people in the TRNC who are upset about the recent activity in Maraş (Varosha) than in South Cyprus,” Arıklı argued, adding that the fenced-off town was within the “TRNC’s” borders.
He argued that Turkish Cypriots have every right to benefit from the public places within the fenced-off town.
“It is not possible to prevent any activity in Maraş (Varosha) as long as no one touches the privately-owned properties,” Arıklı concluded.
“No one knows what’s going on… We have come to the point we have reached because of Tatar’s desire to win the presidential elections,” Cemal Özyiğit, leader of TDP said.
Also addressing the plenary, Özyiğit argued that the Maraş (Varosha) issue is also out of control.
“Those who have meddled in the Turkish Cypriot elections are now preparing a provocation in Maraş (Varosha),” Özyiğit stressed and slammed the Turkish authorities’ choice of place for a picnic.
Özyiğit also drew attention to international law on the fenced-off town.
“Maraş (Varosha) is not within the TRNC’s territories. In fact, it is the contrary. The fenced-off town is under the control of the UN and is out of the TRNC jurisdiction,” Özyiğit concluded.
In the meantime, the dailies reported on Tuesday that the area in the fenced-off town of Maraş (Varosha) to be visited by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahçeli, will be transformed into a ‘Garden of the Nation of Cyprus.’
Efforts to complete the garden are continuing at a feverish pace, the reports said.
Turkish crews, which have begun work to upgrade the patch of Maraş (Varosha), are expected to complete the work before Sunday, November 15, when Erdoğan and Bahçeli will visit the area.
In the period after 2018, wanting to add an ecological touch, the Erdoğan government began creating ‘gardens of the nation’ in various major Turkish cities.
The work for the creation of the garden has been shouldered by the Turkish government, the Konya Municipality, TOKİ (Turkey’s government-backed housing agency), and the Taşyapı construction company, that also manages Ercan (Tymbou) airport in the north.
The Taşyapı construction company assumed the project following a tender that took place in Turkey, and in which the Turkish Cypriot companies were not invited to participate, to the dismay of Turkish Cypriot contractors.
Erdoğan: Turkey’s legitimate rights in East Med cannot be ignored
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“Turkey could not allow anyone to ignore legitimate Turkish rights in the Eastern Mediterranean region,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday.
Speaking at the 12th Ambassadors Conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdoğan said Ankara has always been patient and calm regarding the Eastern Mediterranean issue despite provocations by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side.
He added Turkey was always open for negotiations as his country was confident that it was in a righteous position.
Erdoğan also called on the EU to abandon its “strategic blindness”, which he said was pushing Ankara away from the EU and reiterated his call for organizing a multinational conference including all littoral countries along with the Turkish Cypriot side in the Eastern Mediterranean to resolve the dispute.
He further noted that Turkey was encouraged by the discovery of 405 billion cubic meters in the Black Sea region and hopeful for discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Emergency works completed at the old Nicosia walls
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
CBMs
OVERVIEW
The emergency works on the Nicosia Walls have been completed, the United Nations Development Program office announced on Monday.
The emergency works entailed removal of the vegetation on the old Nicosia walls from Mula (Zahra) Bastion to the Kyrenia Gate; restoration of the collapsed part between the Mula (Zahra) Bastion and the Roccas Bastion (Yiğitler Burcu) and the restoration of the collapsed part at the Quirini (Cephane) Bastion.
The UNDP also noted that it will hold a ceremony to mark the completion of the works on November 11.
The emergency works were carried out with financing from the EU and were carried out by the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.