Front Page Headlines
Not a single step back from the Guterres Framework
Anastasiades-Mitsotakis reconfirmed their common line on ‘5+1’ conference. The picture remains murky around setting a date and venue for the conference as Ankara proposes dates near or even after the March European Council. Athens and Nicosia are processing specific scenarios ahead of the informal meeting to avoid any surprises mainly on the issue of “sovereign equality.” The aim is insistence on the agreed solution framework, the UN Security Council resolutions and the six points of the Guterres Framework to avoid any possible blame.
- No margin for complacency (on pandemic)
They drew red lines
Nicosia and Athens make their positions clear on the form of a solution and the starting point. The five-party summit is heading towards the second half of March.
- 63% of final year pupils returned to school with negative (coronavirus) tests – Eight teachers refused (to get tested) and did not get back to work.
- AstraZeneca vaccine divides opinion, concern for the elderly – Cyprus is using for those aged over 65.
The port is sinking due to privatisations
The Limassol port is sinking since, according to data from the Cyprus Ports Authority, after the privatisations, the transit trade decreased dramatically and the charges companies and industries pay increased. This nullifies the government’s assurances of increased competitiveness.
- Coordination ahead of the five-party summit
- Sassoli: AKEL’s contribution (on the Cyprob) is constructive
No deviation from EU-UN principles
Anastasiades and Mitsotakis: federation is the only solution to talk about.
- Quarter of the population took rapid test in just one week
Common line on the five-party
Greece-Cyprus coordination ahead of the Guterres invitation. Mitsotakis: I assured President Anastasiades that termination of the Turkish occupation and finding a comprehensive, viable functional and mutually acceptable solution remains top priority for Greek foreign policy. Anastasiades announced a regional meeting.
- Coronavirus: Greece-Israel cooperation on ‘wonder’ drug
- The British Covid-19 variant was detected in the occupied areas
- The market has come to life again – Shops opened with up to 70% discounts. Consumers responded. The majority of pupils and teachers returned to schools with negative test results at hand.
- Borrell-Lavrov spoke in a climate of tension: The Russians did not want to take the opportunity for a constructive dialogue with the EU
Main News
Nicosia-Athens: ‘Federal solution the only way to go’
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis reaffirmed their commitment to a federal solution yesterday and called on Turkey to create a conducive climate for the talks, the dailies report.
The Greek PM’s visit to Nicosia for coordination ahead of the five-party summit on the Cyprus problem was among the main items in Tuesday’s papers.
The two men stressed their readiness to participate in the five-party summit, which reports suggest the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) will convene in the second half of March, as Turkey is suggesting dates near or after the European Council meeting scheduled to discuss Ankara’s relations with the EU.
Following the meeting with Mitsotakis, Anastasiades expressed full readiness to participate in the informal meeting. “Our position was clear as regards the form of a solution. It cannot deviate from the relevant resolutions and decisions of the Security Council and European principles and values.”
He said that the framework for the resumption of substantive negotiations should be based on the joint statement of the leaders of the two communities after their meeting with the UNSG in Berlin in November 2019, “that sets the parameters within which the whole dialogue can be based, to find a truly peaceful solution, sustainable and functional”. He added that these parameters were the Joint Declaration of February 11, 2014, the convergences achieved so far and all six points of the parameters set by the Secretary-General in Crans-Montana.
He reiterated that the island’s reunification must include the termination of the “anachronistic system of guarantees” and withdrawal of the Turkish occupying troops, adding that the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus must be functional, without exclusions that could lead to collapse.
Anastasiades stressed that he agreed with Mitsotakis that their determination to engage in a new negotiating process should not negate the need for a creative climate and that any Turkish actions in the region or Cyprus would affect the effort.
“We believe that Turkey’s contribution is necessary in creating a suitable climate, terminating any unilateral or unlawful action, which would have the opposite result,” he said.
Anastasiades expressed hope that the EU would show the necessary solidarity in supporting efforts to solve the Cyprus problem through actively engaging in an expected future dialogue on the substance of the issue.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed his country’s support for Cyprus, stressing that it was an important juncture for the future of the Cyprus problem. He said Greece’s top priority was to end the occupation and find a mutually acceptable solution that will be functional.
Mitsotakis censured the Turkish side’s insistence on a two-state solution, noting that Greece and Cyprus are against this, adding that it was also rejected not only by the UN but by the EU too.
“We remain focused on the UN decisions. They make up the only agreed and universally accepted solution framework, which is the foundation for the implementation of the European acquis communitaire across the entire island.”
He added that Turkey’s and the TC leader’s stance clashes with the UN framework since they insist “on an ungrounded position” on two states. Ankara and TC leader Ersin Tatar, he said, “should know that restarting a substantive dialogue means only within the existing and binding limits I just described.”
He said he agreed with Anastasiades that the solution ought to serve the interests of all Cypriots – GCs and TCs – and not Turkey’s plans.
Anastasiades also referred to their initiatives to promote regional cooperation and the trilateral cooperation they established with Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and the Gulf states “proving once again that Cyprus and Greece are pillars of stability and peace.”
He added that no one was excluded from these synergies, as long as they respect international law and the sovereignty of the participating states. Anastasiades also said that in this context, they welcome a regional meeting that is to take place within the coming days at ministerial level between states in the wider region.
The dailies also report on reactions by the parties to Mitsotakis’ visit. Ruling DISY said that Anastasiades needs the support of all parties and people for the informal summit. The party said there was no room for pettiness at a time when the future of the country and of the new generation was at stake.
DIKO reiterated its proposal for setting up a supreme council for strategic cooperation between Greece and Cyprus on issues concerning common national interests.
EDEK leader Marinos Sizopoulos called for the reactivation of the Unified Defence Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus and argued that the two countries were very late in their coordination ahead of the five-party summit.
The Solidarity Movement repeated its position that Anastasiades was headed for a disaster and that he does not have the people’s support, citing the scandals linked with his government.
For the Citizens’ Alliance, it is necessary to handle matters with “subtle diplomatic manoeuvres”. The party expressed concerns over the UK’s involvement and the leading role it appears to be assuming on the resumption of the talks. The party also expressed the wish that the UNSG would have second thoughts on convening the summit.
Politis reports that Turkey, using the pandemic as a pretext, is trying to push back the date of the five-party summit so that it is closer to or even after the European Council set to take place on March 25 and 26. It is no coincidence that the president referred to a discussion with the Greek Prime Minister on the European Council and the special report that will be prepared by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Turkey’s attitude and Ankara-EU relations. Athens and Nicosia want to ensure that Turkey will not get away without any serious consequences and that it will have to prove its intentions with actions and not just with words, the daily reported.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell is expected to be in Cyprus on February 18 and 19 for contacts with the two leaders.
Politis also reports that both both Mitsotakis and Anastasiades will have at the summit constitutional law experts who will contribute to the issues of two states and sovereign equality if and when they are raised. The negotiating teams prepare the moves and positions the Greek and GC sides will put on the table based on different scenarios that are being worked out, it said. Citing government sources, the daily reports that both Athens and Nicosia welcome the intention of the United Kingdom to play a role in this process and are not categorically opposed to the approach taken by the guarantor country for the future. However, there is strong opposition to the approach of the issue of sovereign equality publicly proposed by the TCs (community states/ sovereign communities).
According to Phileleftheros, Athens and Nicosia drew two red lines that will set out the way they will act. Citing information, one red line concerns the form of the Cyprus problem solution, with Nicosia and Athens agreeing they will not enter any discussion on the form of the solution or changes to it. The compromise is a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution and there can be no further discussion to this, the daily reports.
The second red line has to do with the continuation of the talks from where they left off in Crans-Montana. Nicosia and Athens want a clear starting point for the new effort in the Cyprus issue, to clarify the point on where the talks were interrupted, Phileleftheros reports.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> Talks framework must be based on leaders’ statement after Berlin trilateral, 2014 Joint Declaration, convergences achieved so far & all six points of the Guterres Framework.
>> The solution cannot deviate from UNSC resolutions & European principles and values. Outdated system of guarantees must be abolished & Turkish troops must be withdrawn.
>> Greek & GC sides determined to engage in new negotiating process but Turkey should try to improve the climate.
>> Hopes EU will show necessary solidarity in supporting Cyprob efforts by actively engaging in future dialogue on substance of the issue.
>> Greece and Cyprus’ initiatives for cooperation in the region proves they are pillars of stability and peace. Turkey is not excluded from these synergies as long as it proves it respects international law & the sovereignty of the participating states.
Mitsotakis
>> Greece continues to support Cyprus while its top priority is to end the occupation and find a mutually acceptable, functional solution.
>> Greece remains focused on the UN decisions that make up the only agreed and universally accepted solution framework, which is the foundation for the implementation of the European acquis across the entire island.
>> Calls on Turkey & Tatar to keep in mind that restarting a substantive dialogue means only within the existing and binding limits & that their position on a two-state solution clashes with the UN framework.
>> Agrees with Anastasiades that the solution ought to serve the interests of both GCs & TCs and not Turkey’s plans.
EP president thanks AKEL for Cyprob suggestions
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
EU Matters, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that the President of the European Parliament (EP), David Sassoli, reaffirmed the EP’s full solidarity with Cyprus, and support for the efforts for a sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations in a spirit of goodwill in line with international law.
Sassoli was replying to a letter the main opposition AKEL leader had sent him in December on ways that could help restart the talks. Sassoli said AKEL’s contribution was valuable and would be taken into account.
The EP President also said that tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean were very high on the agenda of the EU and European Parliament and that they follow the situation very closely. He recalled they have discussed the issue at the plenary sessions in September and November 2020 in the Committee on Foreign Affairs and in the EP’s Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Sassoli recalled that the EP adopted last September a resolution to express its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus and “unequivocally condemned Turkey’s illegal activities in the continental shelf/EEZ of Greece and Cyprus, which represent a violation of the sovereign rights of EU Member States, and called on Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral or illegal action or threat.”
In November, the EP adopted a resolution on Turkey’s activities in Varosha, he said. “Through it, we condemned these activities and warned that it’s partial ‘opening’ weakens prospects of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, exacerbating divisions and entrenching the permanent partition of the island.”
Sassoli also reminded that the EP said in the resolution it regrets that the highest Turkish authorities have endorsed the two-state solution and urged Turkey to commit concretely to the UN Secretary-General’s call for the resumption of negotiations from where they were left off at Crans- Montana in 2017.
He added that they had called on the European Council to maintain its unified position on Turkey’s illegal actions and impose tough sanctions in response while, during his intervention of the European Council meeting on 10 December 2020, he also urged the EU leaders “to seriously consider all instruments at our disposal, including economic sanctions, to send a credible signal of our support for the territorial integrity of Cyprus,” the dailies reported.
Haravgi reports that Sassoli has acknowledged AKEL’s contribution to the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
Phileleftheros, in a comment, said that Sassoli, though calling for a solution, forgot to mention the form of the solution. The daily points out that Sassoli is not the first to forget to mention this and raises the question of whether this was random or if a new situation is being solidified as regards the Cyprus problem. It remains to be seen, the daily said.
‘Turkish side continues provocative stance’
Alithia
Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The daily reports that Turkish provocations continue, citing statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and TC leader Ersin Tatar.
The provocations, according to the daily, continue on three fronts: with a new rant by Erdogan, Tatar’s threats for a two-state solution and a Turkish exercise in Eastern Thrace.
Citing Greek television station’s SKAI correspondent in Istanbul, the paper reports that Erdogan said in a speech that many were working against Turkey, trying to create issues for Ankara as regards the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. It seems that the rhetoric of provocations is expected to continue in the coming days as the Turkish president expects many developments from the West, the EU as well as from the USA. The more pressure he feels, the more he raises his tone, the daily reports.
The daily also reports that a provocative Turkish exercise is taking place in Eastern Thrace, with the country’s defence ministry releasing photos to the public. The exercise takes place at the ‘Saranta Ekklisies’ area. This exercise takes place every year but the Turkish defence ministry chose to publish relevant visual material, the paper said.
The third Turkish provocation, according to the paper, comes from Tatar, who also adopts a rhetoric of threats. In an 85-minute interview with the Turkish media, Tatar insisted on the two-state formula in Cyprus. The TC leader spoke about the existence of two equal states in Cyprus and the continued presence of the Turkish army in Cyprus since this brings peace to the island, the daily reports.
DISY MEP raises question of German submarines purchase by Turkey
Phileleftheros
EU Matters, External Security
OVERVIEW
The daily reports that DISY MEP Loucas Fourlas has submitted a question to the European Commission on the sale of six submarines by Germany to Turkey.
Fourlas argued that this move by the German government encourages Ankara to continue its expansionist policy in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean in general. Citing the debate on the sanctions against Turkey by the EU and the fact that Turkey is not taking warnings seriously since the EU always backs down at the last moment, Fourlas said that the bloc’s members need to act accordingly.
“Unfortunately, we are watching Germany prepare to deliver aggressive state-of-the-art submarines to Turkey, with which we as a Union do not find common ground,” Fourlas said.
He asked the European Commission whether such a move shows the EU’s credibility. This equipment, he said, could be used against EU member states. “How does the European Commission deal with the issue of the sale of equipment to a country that holds European territory and I am referring to my country Cyprus,” he said, according to Phileleftheros.
Kotzias insists AKEL requested his removal from FM post
Alithia, Haravgi, Politis
Regional/International Relations, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that former Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias insists on targeting AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou with the claim that the Cypriot party leader had called for his removal over his disagreement on the way he was handling the Cyprus problem.
This time, the attack on Kyprianou came from the Greek movement ‘Pratto’, whose leader is Kotzias. The group said in a statement that Kyprianou avoids answering on the substance of the matter.
Haravgi reports that Kyprianou said in response that AKEL never backed the position that the system of guarantees in Cyprus ought to remain. Speaking to Astra radio, Kyprianou said that the first to raise the issue of the lifting of the guarantees was Demetris Christofias with AKEL’s backing.
On the claims he had called for Kotzias’ resignation after Crans-Montana, Kyprianou reiterated that AKEL avoids interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. He also recalled that Kotzias’ claims were refuted by both Alexis Tsipras and former Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos. Kyprianou said that some want to create noise around their name to remind people they still exist.
Pratto said in a second statement that it was well expected that Tsipras would back his good friend Kyprianou and that Tsipras’ claims that no one asked him to remove Kotzias were not accurate.
Politis, in a comment, said that Kotzias is obsessed over this and that given his role was catastrophic at the Geneva talks, but also before that, if Kyprianou indeed did not request his removal, then it was a mistake.