GCC Press Review 12 Apr 2021

Front Page Headlines

Politis

So we’ll go to Geneva to figure out… why

The process of the informal (meeting) has been determined – What remains is for the chasm to be bridged.

  • Second thoughts for Easter relaxations: Due to rejection of AstraZeneca

Phileleftheros

Search for a common vision

In Geneva the UNSG will investigate whether there is identification with the goal being pursued. Lute’s visit to the island moved low.

  • They’re packing bags with their eyes focused on polls
  • Halloumi imitations coming to an end
  • They’re preparing an intervention for AstraZeneca
  • 87 thousand asylum applications in Cyprus in 18 years: In search of a more dignified life

Haravgi

Concern over the slow vaccination rhythm and the problems

Fears that this year’s tourist season will be lost if indices do not improve soon.

  • Cyprus problem: Jane Holl Lute saw Anastasiades-Tatar ahead of Five-party
  • Recipe to open the path for a solution
  • “Cyprus, One Homeland, One People!”
  • “The registration of halloumi can bring many benefits but it is not the end of the road”
  • ‘Golden’ passports: Naturalisations of Ayia Napa marina executives leaking from everywhere

Alithia

The final goodbye to Sokratis Chasikos

The president of the Republic, ministers, MPs from all parties, state bodies and a wave of people said farewell with honours. Flags were flying at half-mast at all public buildings – He was buried next to his beloved wife Elli.

  • Five-party: Lute did not bring news, the Turks unbudgeable
  • Erdogan furious, €70 million deal for Italian helicopters freezes

Main News

Lute finalises Geneva summit procedural details with two leaders

Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process

OVERVIEW

The UN Secretary General’s (UNSG) special envoy Jane Holl Lute held her last round of contacts with both leaders in Cyprus on Sunday ahead of the UN-led informal five-party summit to held in Geneva at the end of the month, the dailies report.

Alithia reports that government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said that President Nicos Anastasiades reiterated to Lute the GC side’s readiness to participate in the Geneva summit constructively and creatively, and expressed hope that the Turkish side will do the same. The paper reports that on his part, TC leader Ersin Tatar reiterated his aim for a two-state solution and sovereign equality, as well as his objections to EU participation in the summit. Alithia adds that Tatar told Lute that the Geneva summit will be an opportunity for new ideas to be tabled.

The papers report that procedural and organisational aspects of the Geneva summit were cleared up through Lute’s meetings, which did not bring any new to the table, since the TC side stuck to the positions it has held thus far, while the aims and make-up of the meeting have remained unchanged. The papers also report that Turkey’s objections to the participation of the EU in discussions appear to be succeeding.

Politis reports that the coronavirus pandemic is playing an important role as regards the summit’s procedural aspects, since limits will be placed on the number of people who will have access to the UN building that will host the five-party summit. Politis reports that According to the programme drawn up, the summit will kick off with a dinner to be hosted by the UNSG Antonio Guterres for the representations of all parties, with the initial plan foreseeing a total of 10 attendants besides the UNSG, though this number may be altered depending on the pandemic. Guterres will then hold separate meetings with the representation of each party, and in the meantime meetings among parties might take place depending on developments. Guterres will then meet with the GC and TC side, after which all representations will come together for a meeting.

Politis reports that each meeting will be able to host a maximum of four people plus the UNSG, with the paper noting the importance of Guterres’ role who will listen, record, and perhaps even attempt to bring together the positions of all parties as he did at Crans-Montana. Phileleftheros reports that Guterres will seek to hold summits that will feature the participation of all parties that will be present, including Anastasiades, Tatar, and the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Greece, and Britain.

Phileleftheros reports that at the summit, the UNSG will seek to assess whether a common vision can be found among all sides for the goal at hand, with the paper noting that Lute’s meetings with Anastasiades and Tatar indicated that a common vision is currently not available.

Politis reports that the GC delegation will consist of the chief negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis, who however is not expected to be an active participant in talks at the summit, government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos, the head of the President’s diplomatic office Kyriakos Kouros, National Council secretary Pantelis Pantelides, all parliamentary political party leaders barring ELAM, the four lawyers that make up the legal team set up to deal with Cyprus problem matters, Anastasiades’ close associates Ioannis Kasoulides and Panayiotis Demetriou, while negotiating team members Toumazos Tselepis and Tasos Tzionis may also travel to Geneva.

KEY ACTORS
Koushos
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Anastasiades reiterated to Lute the GC side’s readiness to participate in the Geneva summit constructively and creatively, and expressed hope that the Turkish side will do the same


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