Front Page Headlines
A federal solution or annexation!
Yenidüzen will be publishing the results of the ‘Politics and Society in North Cyprus’ survey for the next three days. While Turkish Cypriots see a “federation” as the strongest solution formula in Cyprus, Turkish immigrants say “annexation”. According to the survey, everyone is uncomfortable with the ongoing division of the island. 60.4 per cent of Turkish Cypriots who took part in the survey and 51.9 per cent of Turks who took part in the survey said they were uncomfortable about the division. The survey also reveals there is a serious polarisation between the two sub-groups. 62 per cent of Turkish Cypriots see ‘North Cyprus’ as their homeland while 31 per cent see the whole island as their homeland. 56 per cent of Turkish immigrants see Turkey as their homeland. Only 5.8 per cent of Turkish Cypriots see Turkey as their homeland. 93.9 per cent of Turkish immigrants, nearly all of them, do not see the whole island as their homeland.
- Party leaders in the south will be at the Cyprus summit but the issue has yet to be evaluated in the north.
Our reservoirs longing for water
Water levels at reservoirs are at dangerously low levels due to the lack of rainfall this winter. Water levels have reached critical levels in many of the lakes while some have no water at all. Raif İlker Buran, head of the Meteorology Service said that rainfall for March and April will also be below the average.
- First ₺1500 (€170) support payments then over-time payments will be made – Finance Minister Dursun Oğuz reached an agreement with the public sector trade unions.
- Job losses reaching 100 per cent. People going bankrupt – KTEZO (Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Artisans and Shopkeepers) said the state support given to the sectors is not enough.
- Online appointments for vaccinations – Online Vaccination Portal was launched yesterday. People will be able to make online applications should they want to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Both park and a palace
President Ersin Tatar spoke to Havadis about plans for the construction of a new presidential palace. Director of the Office of Presidency Serkan İlseven provided detailed information on the project. Tatar said: “Even though building a new palace was not on our agenda during these difficult days, the funds for the construction had been allocated (by Ankara). The construction will not likely be completed during my term, but if we do not utilize the funds, it will be sent back (to Ankara).” Tatar also added that they are working under very difficult conditions in the current building. “The negotiations team receive foreign dignitaries, but we are embarrassed (about the condition of the building) therefore we need a new and functional building,” Tatar said.
- Tourism is a dream with the current pace of vaccinations – Prime Minister Ersan Saner and Health Minister Ünal Üstel launched the Online Vaccination Portal. The numbers given during the ceremony are a nightmare for the tourism sector.
- 5000 businesses closed, 50,000 left unemployed – KTEZO (Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Artisans and Shopkeepers) said the government is ignoring the retailers, who are faced with ruin due to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
This is how it should be
The government which is paying ₺500,000 (€55.000) to hotels and dormitories per day, and which is unable to bear the financial burden, is putting home isolation into practice. Health Minister Ünal Üstel unveiled the new online portal for vaccination appointments and announced that they will be switching to home isolation in the next two weeks. He said that a new system that will monitor those in isolation was created.
- AstraZeneca programme suspended – The Greek Cypriot Council of Ministers has decided to purchase the Sputnik V vaccine should it receive approval.
If we are to be annihilated, we will go down fighting
It is time to resist the Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule in Turkey, which is making moves to deal the final blow to our community. KTOEÖS (Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers’ Union) General Secretary Selma Eylem said: “In the last year, attacks have been carried out by the AKP on the will of the Turkish Cypriots in an unprecedented manner. The progressive segment of this society will not allow this, and if we will perish at the end of the day, we will go down fighting.”
- The queue for vaccinations identified – Care homes for the elderly are included in the list for priority-groups set to receive the Covid-19 vaccines. These include residents at care homes, their caregivers, bedridden patients, people aged 80 and above and people aged 65 and 79.
- Erdoğan launches move to close the HDP (People’s Democratic Party) – The fascist Erdoğan administration in Turkey has launched an attack to close down the HDP, filing a case at the Constitutional Court.
Main News
A new survey shows clear differences between TCs & Turkish immigrants
Yenidüzen
Migration & Citizenship, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
Clear cleavages exist between native Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants living in Cyprus when it comes to politics, a survey titled ‘Politics and Society in North Cyprus’ carried out by Sertaç Sonan, Ebru Küçükşener and Enis Porat reveals.
The study published by Yenidüzen on Thursday explores different features of politics and society in the northern part of Cyprus, based on a survey carried out in 2018.
The study is unique as it is the first comparative study that uses a quantitative approach to compare the attitudes of the two groups towards politics, religion, the Cyprus problem and relations with Turkey. Most studies on Cyprus focus on the Cyprus conflict and the division between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, the two main ethnic communities on the island.
The study is different from them as it focuses on the division within one of these communities; it seeks to investigate the political and cultural factors underlying the uneasy relationship between native Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants who came to the island after 1974.
The most striking results of the survey reveal that there are serious differences between the two subgroups when it comes to the solution of the Cyprus Problem and the way they perceive Cyprus as their homeland.
While Turkish immigrants who have settled in the north are more religious and nationalistic; their attitudes towards the Turkish government are more positive; and, they have different preferences regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem.
The majority of Turkish Cypriots see a federal settlement in Cyprus as the strongest option while Turkish immigrants prefer annexation as the best option.
According to the survey 62 per cent of Turkish Cypriots see ‘North Cyprus’ as their home and 31 per cent see the whole island as their homeland. 56 per cent of Turkish immigrants see Turkey as their homeland. Only 5.8 per cent of Turkish Cypriots see Turkey as their homeland.
There is a disparate picture on the Turkish immigrants’ side. A clear majority, 59,7 per cent, of Turkish immigrants felt attached to Turkey. Around one-third of the immigrants (34,1 per cent), on the other hand, showed that they had a sense of belonging to north Cyprus by choosing it as their homeland.
The survey said that it was quite understandable that almost none of the Turkish immigrants (93,9 per cent) said that they saw the whole island as their homeland due to the simple reason that they came to the island after 1974 following the geographical division, and since then they never had contact with the southern part.
The study also points out that it should be added to the context that, although it is possible for native Turkish Cypriots to cross to the southern part of the island since the opening of the checkpoints in April 2003, Turkish immigrants are not allowed (by Greek Cypriot authorities) to cross; the only exceptions are those married to Turkish Cypriots and the children who were born out of these mixed marriages.
When the two groups were asked whether they felt attachment to the ‘TRNC’, the political entity, an overwhelming majority in both groups said yes.
While 55,6 percent of native Turkish Cypriot respondents identified themselves as ‘Turkish Cypriot’, 33,7 percent said that they saw themselves as only ‘Cypriot’. Almost all respondents in the native group (89,3 percent) emphasized their ‘Cypriotness’.
A majority of Turkish immigrants, on the other hand, identified themselves primarily as ‘Turkish’ (53 per cent). Only 27 per cent chose to identify themselves as ‘Turkish Cypriot’ in order to emphasize ‘Cypriotness’ in addition to their ‘Turkishness’.
While Turkish Cypriots put an emphasis on ‘Cypriotness’, the emphasis of Turkish immigrants was on ‘Turkishness’. Indeed, only 5,8 percent of Turkish Cypriots defined themselves as ‘Turkish’ only, whereas the proportion of Turkish immigrants identifying themselves as only ‘Cypriots’ was even less: 4,5 percent.
This shows that for Turkish Cypriots ‘Turkishness’ by itself does not have an important position independent from ‘Cypriotness’. The survey results clearly indicate that Turkish Cypriots have an attachment to the island/land/geography and Cypriotness. On the other hand, there is a strong sense of belonging to ethnic identity or ‘Turkishness’ among Turkish immigrants.
The study also shows that native Turkish Cypriots are even more secular than WVS (World Value Studies) show, which does not divide the sample.
Furthermore, it shows that Turkish immigrants in Cyprus are relatively less religious compared to the people of Turkey and have a more liberal approach to gender equality. At the same time, the study shows that both groups respond similarly when it comes to gender equality, life satisfaction, interpersonal trust and their views regarding the direction of society.
Tatar: “A win-win agreement needed for regional stability”
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday emphasized the importance of finding an agreement for stability and peace in Cyprus. Tatar received Salina Grenet-Catalano, the French Ambassador to Cyprus on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming five-plus-UN meeting to be held in Geneva at the end of April.
According to a statement issued by his office, Tatar reiterated his vision for a two-state solution model based on sovereign equality, arguing that an agreement that will be a win-win for all relevant sides, will reinstate peace and stability both on the island as well as the region.
He also underlined possible contributions from France, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, for the Turkish Cypriot side to be treated fairly and equally in the international arena.
Tatar, in a separate meeting on Wednesday, held with Prof Dr Özay Mehmet via video link, drew attention to the importance of the Turkish Cypriots’ rights in natural resources. “The Greek Cypriot side unrightfully claims jurisdiction over a maritime area of 30,000 km2,” he argued, noting that it is not an issue to be underestimated.
Tatar urged the international community to respect the Turkish Cypriot side’s rights over the island’s natural resources.
For his part, Prof Dr Özay Mehmet said there were numerous UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSC) that referred to two sovereign states.
“In addition to UN resolution 2843 which points to political equality of two states, resolution 716 and UN report S/21183 mentions two equal peoples and the sovereign equality of the two sides,” he said, pointing to Belgium, Canada and Switzerland as confederation models based on two sovereign states.
KEY ACTORS
Tatar
>> A two-state solution in Cyprus which will be a win-win for all sides will bring peace & stability to the region.
>> France as a member of the P5 can contribute to the fair treatment of the TC side by the international community.
>> International community should respect TCs’ rights over the island’s resources.
Ankara insists two-state solution needed for permanent peace in Cyprus
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Fahrettin Altun, the Communications Director to the Turkish Presidency, on Wednesday, said Ankara believes a two-state solution is needed for peace and stability in Cyprus.
In a video message sent to the symposium titled ‘Past, Present and Future of the Turkic Worlds,’ in Bishkek, Altun also noted the attempts to confine Turkey to the Gulf of Antalya in the Eastern Mediterranean have failed.
Altun noted that Ankara has displayed a determined stance in protecting its rights as well as the rights of the Turkish Cypriots while maintaining its strong commitment to international law. He added that Ankara believes the natural resources must be utilized for the benefit of everyone in the region including the Turkish Cypriots.
“We will continue to work towards ensuring the natural resources will bring peace and not a conflict,” he said, reiterating Ankara’s determination to support the Turkish Cypriots in their efforts to establish a two-state solution for lasting peace in Cyprus.
KEY ACTORS
Altun (Turkey)
>> A two-state solution is needed for peace & stability in Cyprus.
>> Ankara is determined to protect its rights & those of TCs in East Med while remaining committed to international law.
>> Natural resources must be utilized to benefit everyone in the region including TCs.
>> Ankara will continue efforts to ensure natural resources will bring peace & conflict.
Hellim (Halloumi) inspections to be carried out by two independent organisations
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
EU Matters, Economy
OVERVIEW
Derya Beyatlı, Akel MEP Niyazi Kızılyürek’s representative in north Cyprus, announced the Hellim (Halloumi) inspections will be carried out by two independent organisations.
In a statement issued from Kızılyürek’s representation office in the north, Beyatlı during a visit to Turkish Cypriot Dairy Producers’ Cooperative in line with the information sessions launched by Kızılyürek, said the registration of Hellim (Halloumi) as a product of designated origin (PDO) will be completed by the end of April, thus preventing the production of the traditional cheese in other countries under the name “Hellim and Halloumi.”
She noted that both the Turkish and Greek name will be used on labelling. Beyatlı added the European Commission will also simultaneously make the necessary amendments to the Green Line Trade (GLT) regulation, posing an unprecedented opportunity for the Turkish Cypriot producers.
On the issue of inspections, Beyatlı said there will be two international companies contracted for compliance controls. The first company will be Bureau Veritas which will inspect the production processes against how it is detailed in the PDO registration and the second one will carry out the hygiene and health controls.
“Both companies will be independent entities,” she stressed, adding that a working group which will include the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, will also be established to resolve the possible problems in the trade to be carried out across the Green Line.
Entering and competing in the European market will not only benefit the Turkish Cypriot community socially and economically but will bring Turkish Cypriots closer to the bloc, Beyatlı concluded.
Ankara lauds ‘positive atmosphere’ in talks with Greece
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Regional/ International Relations
OVERVIEW
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said the latest round of consultative talks between Turkey and Greece were held in a very positive atmosphere at a joint press conference with his Kazakh counterpart Mukhtar Tleuberdi on Wednesday. He added that his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias will visit Turkey on April 14.
Noting that the consultative talks between Turkey and Greece are addressing the issues regarding disagreement in the Aegean and aims to find a joint solution, he said it would not be a “realistic approach” to expect a solution in a single meeting.
Reiterating Turkey’s demands for a fair sharing of resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, Çavuşoğlu said Ankara has always clearly demonstrated its determination on the issue.
“Turkey has displayed its position on the matter of the Eastern Mediterranean, both at the table and on the ground. We call for fair sharing in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the Turkish foreign minister said, recalling that the EU has not given a response on Turkey’s proposal for a multilateral conference on the region. Çavuşoğlu said he will also visit Athens soon.
North unveils online vaccine appointment portal
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot authorities on Wednesday announced the launch of an online appointment and registration system for Covid-19 vaccines. The new portal will allow people to register for vaccination; set-up online appointments and notify individuals of upcoming dates for second doses as well as general information on the coronavirus pandemic.
The Turkish Cypriot officials also unveiled a new vaccination plan, scrapping the previous plan announced by former health minister Ali Pilli.
Pilli had come under harsh criticism after reports emerged that people in non-priority groups, using their connections or affiliations with the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) had jumped the queue for vaccinations.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Turkish Cypriot Health Minister Ünal Üstel said the online portal will also allow authorities to monitor the number of people who have been vaccinated and who have made appointments to be vaccinated.
He gave the assurance that no one would be allowed to jump the queue and that the vaccinations will proceed as planned. Üstel explained that vaccinations were currently taking place in 30 different centres. The Turkish Cypriot health minister also said that daily PCR testing capacity had been upgraded to 7,000 tests per day. Üstel added the number of PCR testing centres will also be increased.
Touching on the efforts to introduce a home isolation system, Üstel said the work on an electronic tracking system that will be used to monitor that in-home quarantine or isolation was near completion. The home isolation system will first be implemented for families with small children and people with chronic diseases but will be expanded to other groups in the future.
Üstel also touched on the economic difficulties faced in the north. He said that the government’s goal was to first vaccinate 60 per cent of the north’s population before allowing people, primarily tourists, with proof of vaccination to enter the country with two negative PCR tests – one before boarding and the second one upon arrival. He concluded by urging people to strictly adhere to the face-mask, hygiene and social distancing rules to protect themselves from the coronavirus.