Front Page Headlines
“Enough already”: You made a mess!
The Police and Yioliti are now searching for scapegoats for the irrational violence. Shock, outrage, universal condemnation and calls for resignations relating to the unprecedented violence and brutality of the Police against protesters on Saturday in Nicosia. No excuse whatsoever or provocation (to justify) police’s extreme actions. Awkward admission from the Justice minister who requested a report on events from the Police Chief who in turn is expecting from the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Complaints Against the Police to tell him if there was excessive or disproportionate violence. Intervention from the Independent Authority that today appoints criminal investigators, while it is expected that the suspension of the officer in charge will be requested. Protesters who were beaten up were even charged for attacking police officers.
- Cyprus-Israel: Agreement on ‘green’ passport
- Limassol under the microscope: Seeking the source to avert new (Covid) flare-up
Exposed before the E. Union
Cyprus violated a Directive, imposing VAT of just 5% on homes purchased through the CIP (citizenship-by-investment programme). The Commission is informed, it considers that 5% instead of 19% could only have been imposed for social reasons and it is possible that the payment of millions of euros will be requested.
- Cyprus-Israel: They changed agenda, but not spirit of cooperation
- Excessive police violence against protestors
- US pressure which ‘burns’ Turkey
- Cypriot company reserves seas for (offshore) rigs
Authoritarianism which cracks skulls
Complaints of a dangerous turn away from democracy. The Justice Minister’s immediate resignation is requested. Yioliti washing her hands of it and shifting the blame onto the Police. Batons, shields, spray and shots with pressurised water.
Investigation on excessive police violence
Strong reactions to what happened during Saturday’s demonstration. Solidarity: “The so-called spontaneous mobilisations are guided by AKEL and others.” Yioliti: Extreme behaviours have no place in the police force. Parties are requesting the resignation of the Minister of Public Order.
- Warning from Health Minister: We expect an increase in cases in the coming days – Cyprus will participate in clinical trials of the ‘miracle’ drug from Israel.
- Anastasiades-Netanyahu: Unrestricted passage to Cyprus for vaccinated Israelis
Main News
Anastasiades, Netanyahu discuss tourism, energy, defence cooperation
Alithia, Phileleftheros, Politis
Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
The dailies report on the meeting between President Nicos Anastasiades and the Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Sunday.
Phileleftheros reports that the meeting indicated that for the first time, energy was not at the top of the agenda of cooperation between Cyprus and Israel, without this meaning that the relations between the two countries changed. The paper reports that the management of the pandemic took the top spot on the agenda.
Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades, who was accompanied by the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as by the Deputy Tourism Minister, announced that Cyprus will be ready to restore air connectivity for vaccinated Israeli tourists from April 1. Arriving Israelis who have been vaccinated with EU-approved jabs will not be required to show proof of a negative PCR test to travel to Cyprus nor will they have to self-isolate upon arrival.
Anastasiades and Netanyahu exchanged opinions regarding Israel’s proposal for a ‘Green Passport’, which would allow unrestricted travel between the two countries, Phileleftheros reported. Netanyahu expressed thanks for Cyprus’ willingness to recognise Israel’s vaccination passports, noting that Israel will reciprocate for Cyprus. Politis reports that Cyprus and Greece have agreed to participate in clinical trials for a new coronavirus treatment being developed at the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades said in statements that ways to boost cooperation will be examined, particularly in the area of energy through projects such as the EastMed pipeline and the EuroAsia Interconnector. On his part, Alithia reports, Netanyahu said the Greek Prime Minister submitted good proposals regarding natural gas cooperation through the EastMed pipeline during his recent visit to Israel, adding that the Abraham Accords (between Israel, the US, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain) open new paths for regional cooperation that could include Cyprus.
Netanyahu said cooperation between the two countries centres around the fields of energy, water management, tourism, public safety, and health, the dailies report.
Anastasiades added that he will keep his Israeli counterpart up to date on Cyprus Problem developments, stressing that the solution being sought by the GC side is a bizonal bicommunal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles. Politis reports that Anastasiades highlighted the need for a solution that will strive toward a functional, viable, and independent state and that will put an end to the anachronistic system of guarantees and the presence of occupational troops.
Phileleftheros reports that developments are also expected in the area of defence, as announced by the Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz. Gantz tweeted that during the meeting held with his Cypriot counterpart Charalambos Petrides, the two discussed the close military relations between Cyprus and Israel, which benefit the entire region. Gantz announced that he and Petrides agreed to resume joint military and nautical exercises once conditions allow.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> Reiterates that the GC side is striving for a BBF solution to the Cyprus Problem in line with UNSC resolutions & EU principles.