Front Page Headlines
Talks enter new deadlock after HP (People’s Party) says Erhürman should not become the Prime Minister
The problem of trust continues to be a problem for the four parties which set out to form a coalition for early elections. The party leaders met for two hours yesterday (Wednesday) but failed to achieve a result. The lack of trust and differences between the parties could not be overcome. While it was claimed the talks entered a deadlock due to HP’s demands, no official statement was made. It was reported that HP brought to the table a model whereby Erhürman will not be the prime minister. A source close to CTP said it will become clear latest tonight (Thursday) whether or not the coalition government will be formed. The parties are expected to make their final evaluations tonight (Thursday). The leader of YDP (Rebirth Party) Erhan Arıklı said that two of the parties were trying to sabotage the process despite the agreements reached in principle. HP General Secretary Jale Refik Rogers said, “We have proposed the creation of a cabinet of technocrats in which none of the leaders of the four parties will participate.”
- “There is a need for serious financing and time” – Former deputy head of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) Romans Mapolar spoke to Yenidüzen. Mapolar said, “There is a need for serious financing and a long period of time for reopening Maraş (Varosha). Evaluating the domestic legal process, he said, “There is no obstacle from a legal perspective for individuals to apply to the IPC for compensation for their properties in the fenced-off city of Maraş (Varosha). “The total amount of compensation paid for five cases concerning Maraş (Varosha) is €25m,” Mapolar added.
We are not able to overcome obstacles
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities but we continue to create obstacles for people with disabilities. The majority of public buildings and hospitals do not have toilets for people with physical disabilities or ramps for wheelchairs and yellow lines for the visually impaired. We also continue to occupy parking slots and roads allocated for the physically disabled.
- I want the solution a lot more than Anastasiades – Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar evaluated the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue and current issues to Kıbrıs columnist Hasan Hastürer.
- Uncertainty over the government – It has not been possible to reach to an agreement on the election government to be established by CTP, HP, TDP (Social Democratic Party) and DP (Democratic Party).
Crisis over Uluçay
Unexpected developments in the negotiations to form a four-party coalition government. HP, which tabled a proposal to leave out political party leaders from the cabinet, went a step further by proposing that current parliamentary speaker and CTP Famagusta MP Teberrüken Uluçay should be made the new prime minister. CTP was unhappy with HP’s proposal.
- “There is benefit in waiting for the vaccine a bit longer” – Turkish Cypriot Health Minister Ali Pilli talked about his views on the Covid-19 vaccine as well as the current situation in the fight against the pandemic.
- Anastasiades’ agenda is Turkey – The EU leaders’ summit will be held on December 10-11 via videoconference.
- Growing concern – Professor Petros Karayiannis, member of the Greek Cypriot epidemiological board, evaluated the rise in coronavirus cases.
To the polls as soon as possible
The four political parties which reached an agreement on holding elections in September next year have now started to voice an earlier date after examining the financial situation. It has been learned that CTP leader Tufan Erhürman, HP acting leader Yenal Senin, DP leader Fikri Ataoğlu and TDP leader Cemal Özyiğit discussed the financial situation. Speaking to Diyalog newspaper, HP General Secretary Jale Refik Rogers said they were focusing on establishing a cabinet of technocrats. “We believe that the party leaders should not be included in the cabinet because we want a cabinet made up entirely of technocrats,” she said. YDP leader Erhan Arıklı, who said earlier his party would support the four-party coalition, described the current situation as tragic.
- There would be a rush to the South – While Health Minister Ali Pilli said it was necessary to wait a little longer on the Covid-19 vaccine, the Greek Cypriot side announced it had ordered 1.8m doses.
We have built a bridge from Kyrenia to Qatar
A €1.5m bribe? Our newspaper’s publications have been confirmed… The 20 dönüm (dunam) and £3.5m worth land located in one of the most beautiful locations in Kyrenia has been leased to the “Cyprus Turkish Qatar International Collaboration and Communal Development Centre” for ten years by the State’s Real Estate and Supply Office.
- 298 positive cases and three deaths in the south, nine cases in the north.
Main News
Tatar says he desires a solution more than Anastasiades
Kıbrıs
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
“I want to see a solution established on the island more than Mr Nicos Anastasiades,” Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar said in an interview with Kıbrıs published on Thursday.
While the Greek Cypriot side benefits from the status quo on the island, the Turkish Cypriot community continued to suffer from international isolation and embargoes, he said.
Evaluating the latest developments on the Cyprus issue to Kıbrıs columnist Hasan Hastürer, Tatar described his recent meeting with UN special envoy Jane Holl Lute as sincere.
“Ms Lute did not try to impose any viewpoint on to us. She listened and took notes, telling us that she will relay them to the UN Secretary-General,” Tatar said.
He added that he conveyed the Turkish Cypriot side’s position openly and had a constructive approach.
Noting that the UN contributed to the solution efforts by organising the negotiations processes, Tatar urged the “UN to be more creative in their approach to the talks.”
“The Greek Cypriot side benefits from the ongoing non-solution situation on the island. The Turkish Cypriot community on the other hand continues to suffer from it. The reason as to why the Greek Cypriot side shied away at the most critical points over the negotiations processes, is because they are happy with the status quo. It is for this reason they do not want to contribute to the solution,” Tatar argued.
Responding to a question on the two-state solution model, Tatar said this was not a new concept.
“The two-state model had always been at the table but it was discussed behind closed doors due to possible reactions from the Greek Cypriot side,” Tatar claimed, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side had been indirectly advocating such a solution for years.
He noted that the 1977 High-Level Agreements and the Annan Plan in 2004 both had two states at their core whilst the Greek Cypriot side has always refrained from describing the solution as a bizonal, bicommunal (BBF) model based on political equality.
“What I am doing is talking openly. My difference lies in my insistence on sovereign equality. Moreover, no one should be worried because it is not possible to construct sovereign equality without political equality,” Tatar said.
He expressed the belief that all relevant sides, including the Greek Cypriot side, who approached the Cyprus issue objectively will agree with the Turkish Cypriot side’s position.
Asked to comment on demands for the resumption of talks from where they left off in Crans Montana, Tatar said that this was not possible because the process had failed and collapsed after reaching a deadlock.
“It means there is a problem in the methodology or in the issues that are negotiated at the table. Continuing the process from the point it had been left off would only mean accepting the failure of the process once again,” Tatar argued.
He also noted that he will not refrain from entering into negotiations.
“We will not be the ones rejecting talks however as long as the Cyprus problem continues, we will need to contribute for its solution because endless negotiations that do not reach a conclusion would be meaningless,” Tatar argued.
He added he will have to answer to questions on his contributions to the solution of the Cyprus problem at the end of his term.
“I, on the other hand, want to agree to and sign a solution based on two states which will be mutually acceptable to all sides without waiting for five years,” Tatar said.
Tatar accused the Greek Cypriot side of creating the Cyprus problem and argued that the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) lost its legitimacy after 1963.
“We need to be looking to the future, however we will also not refrain from making the necessary reminders on who is responsible,” Tatar concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Tatar
>> The GC side benefits from the status quo on the island, the TC community continues to suffer.
>> The UN needs to be more creative regarding the negotiations.
>> The reason as to why the GC side is reluctant on reaching an agreement is because it is happy with the status quo.
>> Two-state model is not a new concept.
>> The two-state model had always been at the table but was discussed behind closed doors due to possible reactions from the GC side.
>> My difference lies in my insistence on sovereign equality.
>> Not possible to construct sovereign equality without political equality.
>> All relevant sides including the GC side, who approach the Cyprob objectively will agree with the TC side’s position.
>> Failure of the process in Crans Montana indicates a problem either with the methodology or with the issues negotiated.
>> Continuing the process from the point it had been left off would only mean accepting the failure of the process once again.
>> Need to contribute to the solution efforts as long as the Cyprob continues.
>> Endless negotiations that do not reach a conclusion would be meaningless.
>> I want to agree to & sign a solution based on two-states that will be accepted by both sides.
Left Movement: Talks must resume within Guterres framework
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“The negotiations must resume within the Guterres framework,” Abdullah Korkmazhan said on Wednesday.
In a statement on behalf of the Left Movement, Korkmazhan also underlined the significance of UN special envoy Jane Holl Lute’s efforts to convene the five-plus-UN conference on the Cyprus problem.
Referring to the meeting Lute held with Tatar, Korkmazhan also argued that the statements given by Tatar after the meeting did not reflect the Turkish Cypriots’ political will.
“Tatar said he will only discuss a two-state solution based on sovereign equality by disregarding the UN parameters and existing convergences. This only means ending the efforts of the five-plus-one conference even before the conference could convene,” Korkmazhan argued.
He added that it is necessary to respect the UN parameters, past convergences and the Guterres framework for the talks to resume.
“It is nothing but an empty dream to believe that Tatar will go into negotiations for a two-state solution,” Korkmazhan stressed.
He pointed out that the only possibility on the island is a solution model that is acceptable to both the communities.
“Thus, the only solution model is a BBF solution based on single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international identity,” Korkmazhan said.
The head of the Left Movement also argued that the baseless promises made by Tatar and his friends would only condemn the Turkish Cypriots to the status quo.
“The Turkish Cypriot people are not in favour of the continuation of the status quo. To the contrary, an early federal solution is what’s demanded by the majority of the community. This is the community’s political will,” Korkmazhan said.
“We will continue our struggle with determination until the federal solution is reached on the island,” he concluded.
The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Sıla Usar İncirli also criticized Tatar for his statements on not wanting to discuss the federal solution during a possible international conference on Cyprus.
“Tatar’s statement will push the Turkish Cypriot community away from international law,” İncirli said during a programme on Bayrak where she expressed her concerns.
“Tatar’s policies will isolate and alienate the Turkish Cypriots in the international arena,” İncirli stressed and urged everyone to object to Tatar’s “secessionist viewpoints.”
She pointed out that Tatar’s meeting with Lute had been overshadowed by the ongoing coalition talks.
“Nonetheless, I am seriously concerned with Tatar’s statements that threaten the future of our country,” İncirli concluded.
Meanwhile, former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat also gave a stern warning to Tatar on Wednesday.
“Watch your words,” Talat said, warning that Tatar could be forced to hold talks for a federal settlement if the political conjuncture dictated it.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Talat recalled that the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktaş’ words and actions had been contradictory.
“Mr President must not insist on negotiating only for a two-state solution. When the political conjecture calls for it, he will end up discussing federation. Rauf Denktaş, who had claimed he would not even go to Gönyeli (Geunyeli), had ended up travelling to New York for talks for a federal settlement,” Talat said.
In the meantime, youth organisations will march for peace on December 5, Yenidüzen reports on Thursday.
“Peace March” organisers said they are getting together for a peaceful future.
“As marching for peace, we want to show the world we want to live in peace and we reject every ethnic and religious segregation on the island,” the organisers said in a statement issued.
They also highlighted that peace does not mean not being at war, but it means to live in peace without any religious, language or racial discrimination.
The march, which will be held under the slogan of “Peace for our future,” will start at 5pm on December 5.
Ex-IPC official: Serious financing & time needed for Maraş (Varosha)
Yenidüzen
Property, Territory
OVERVIEW
“The process to reopen Maraş (Varosha) and to allow its former residents to return would require serious financing and time, Romans Mapolar, former deputy head of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC) said in an interview with Yenidüzen.
Mapolar warned that the international community could create various obstacles for moves taken on Maraş (Varosha) but stated that there was no legal obstacle for compensation to be paid to individuals who apply to the IPC.
“The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has recognised that the property dispute in Cyprus is the result of the political situation. Maraş (Varosha) is seen as part of a comprehensive solution but the ECHR has stated that individual applications, including for properties in Maraş (Varosha) should continue,” he said.
Mapolar explained that the ECHR had finalized 36 of the 1,400 property cases – five of these cases concerned property in Maraş (Varosha).
He recalled that the ECHR had ordered the payment of €25m for the loss of use of the properties in question but that following the creation of the IPC and its recognition as an effective domestic remedy, had directed all applications to the commission for settlement.
Nevetheless, Mapolar added the decision taken by the ECHR for the payment of €25m for loss of use was something which needed to be taken seriously as the the court’s ruling had set a judicial precedent for possible future cases transferred to the ECHR.
Mapolar also, warned that cases filed on properties in Maraş (Varosha) had the potential to create problems on several other levels.
“There are two views put forward on the nature of the properties and current ownership. It is necessary to clarify this issue first. There is the claim that almost all properties within the fenced-off city belong to the religious charity foundation, the Evkaf. The IPC has recognised the Evkaf as a party to the claims made. The arguments made by the Evkaf are consistent with what is written on original title deeds,” he said.
Mapolar explained that Greek Cypriots applying to the IPC are presenting property certificates issued to them by Greek Cypriot authorities and that it was important that the information on these certificates match the information on the original records.
“There is doubt that the presented documents will be recognised as sufficient proof concerning Evkaf properties,” he said
He argued that there will be a need for strong proof as to whether these properties were acquired or transferred to individual ownership through legal means.
Evkaf rules clearly state that ownership of foundation property cannot be transferred to individuals.
“Applicants will be required to present not only the original records but also present a document showing that the Evkaf had lawfully approved the transfer of these properties to individuals,” he added.
Turkey determined to protect the rights of TCs & Turkey
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Energy, External Security, Regional/International Relations, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
“Turkey is primarily trying to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey against the maximalist approach displayed by Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the TRT World Forum’s session, “New Realities in Foreign Affairs and Interstate Relations after Covid-19,” Çavuşoğlu argued that the “EU’s solidarity among members was abused by the two to suit their nationalist agendas.”
Çavuşoğlu also drew attention to the unlawful interception of a Turkish-flagged merchant ship by the bloc’s military Operation Irini.
“Recently Irini operation was used as a tool against Turkey. The operation on November 22 gave the order to embark a Turkish-flagged merchant ship without our preliminary consent. This was a clear violation of international law,” Çavuşoğlu said, adding that a few actors are actively destabilizing the eastern Mediterranean region whilst Turkey plays a key role in stopping them.
Çavuşoğlu reiterated that Ankara is ready for dialogue and cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.
“That is why we called for an Eastern Mediterranean Regional Conference with the participation of all coastal states, including the Turkish Cypriots,” he added.
“Turkey is a strong NATO ally and sees its future in the European Union,” the Minister said and added, “Once we overcome the current confusion existing mostly on the European side, I believe that the historic step of Turkey’s accession to the EU can be taken.”
The sharp rise in local coronavirus cases in Kyrenia causes panic
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
The rise in the number of locally transmitted cases in the north on Wednesday caused panic within the Turkish Cypriot community which had recently been seeing very few cases while the rest of the world is experiencing second waves.
Turkish Cypriot Health Minister Ali Pilli on Wednesday told reporters on Wednesday that six locally transmitted cases had been detected in Kyrenia.
Health experts, following Pilli’s announcement, have urged the Higher Board for Infectious Diseases to revise its decision to grant exemption from quarantine for passengers arriving for 72 hours or less.
The former chief physician at the Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu hospital and former member of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health Bülent Dizdarlı in a social media post asked the Higher Board to “put an end to the quarantine exemptions.”
He noted that three of the six cases in Kyrenia had been identified among the workers at the “Elexus Hotel” in Kyrenia.
Dizdarlı also added that a nurse working at the Emergency ward of the Kyrenia state hospital had also tested positive for coronavirus.
Dr Özlem Gürkut, head of the Turkish Cypriot Doctors’ Association, also urged the authorities to review their decision on allowing tourists to enter the north without being subjected to mandatory quarantine should they stay for three days or less.
In a social media post, Gürkut also urged the people and the authorities to strictly adhere to the coronavirus measures, including wearing face masks, personal hygiene and social distancing rules.
“Due to many contacts of the positive cases, whom the source could not be identified, it is likely that the number of positive cases in Kyrenia will increase in the coming days,” Gürkut warned
She concluded by urging the authorities to carry out random PCR tests in Kyrenia without further delay.
A technocratic cabinet without party leaders is an option
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Governance and Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
The ongoing efforts to form the next coalition government took a new turn on Wednesday after the People’s Party (HP) proposed on the creation of cabinet made up entirely of technocrats.
Jale Refik Roger, HP General Secretary, on Wednesday announced that the technocratic cabinet, in which none of the party leaders will be included as ministers, is on the table.
Speaking during a news programme on Bayrak, Rogers said HP proposed that none of the party leaders would have a seat in the cabinet.
“During the coalition talks among the political parties, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman said he was not interested in becoming a prime minister. We, therefore, made our suggestion in response to CTP’s technocratic cabinet proposal,” Rogers said.
She recalled the 2013 Sibel Siber interim government, which had featured ten technocrats occupying ministerial seats.
“As HP, we want to see a technocratic government in place in order that no one could try to gain leverage over the other vis-à-vis the upcoming elections,” Rogers concluded.
In a late-night development, the Social Democratic Party (TDP) announced that the TDP party assembly approved HP’s proposal on forming a technocratic cabinet.
The party leader Cemal Özyiğit had convened the party assembly to discuss the developments on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Yenidüzen reports that even though the political parties have agreed to establish a coalition to hold early elections, the parties could not agree on the seven principles laid out by CTP.
Yenidüzen also reported that CTP was unhappy with a proposal made by HP to appoint current parliament speaker Teberrüken Uluçay as the new prime minister.
The daily said that HP was insisting on Uluçay’s appointment as it had its eye on the seat of the parliament speaker.
Sources close to CTP also stated that proposals brought forward by HP and TDP have resulted in a deadlock in the negotiations for a coalition.
It reported that TDP’s conditions regarding the acceptance and adherence to UN parameters on the Cyprus talks and its reservations regarding the reopening of Maraş (Varosha) under Turkish Cypriot administration were strongly opposed by HP.
HP on the other hand is insisting on revoking “state lease agreements for Serdar Denktaş’s son, the daily reported, creating problems with DP.
The same sources at CTP expressed the belief that the efforts to form the coalition will be concluded on Thursday.