Front Page Headlines
27 years for murder!
The trial for the murder of Nigerian national Walshak Augustine Ngok which took place in 2019 was completed. Ezeh Christopher was found guilty of murdering Ngok and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Nana Awoture Nkansah and Wayne Ayanda Moyo who helped Ngok carry the body were both sentenced to three years in prison.
- All eyes on crossings again – Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman: “It’s not important who closed them (crossing points). What’s important is opening the crossings at the same time.” Peoples’ Party (HP) leader Kudret Özersay: “Daily crossings should start with PCR or rapid tests.” Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit: “The crossing points should open after the Eid holiday.” National Unity Party (UBP) MP Faiz Sucuoğlu: “The shopkeepers have a right to complain but the crossing points should only be allowed to open if the daily number of Covid-19 cases in the south fall under the hundred mark.” Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu: “There is no timetable. The decision will be adopted by the Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases.”
- “Nothing new” Ersin Tatar ‘briefed’ parliament for five hours
Bairam (Eid) turns sour
Coronavirus restrictions, economic crisis, devaluation of the lira, and exorbitant prices have turned the Bairam (Eid al-Fitr) festivities upside down. While many people have not even considered a festive dinner, there are even some who cannot even afford to buy treats like chocolates or sweets to offer visitors.
- EL-SEN goes on strike for an indefinite period – EL-SEN (Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority Workers’ Union) goes on strike for an indefinite period claiming that (the government) is trying to privatize the electricity authority. Board Director of KIBTEK Turan Büyükyılmaz accused the union of not complying with the laws in place.
Hunger threshold: ₺4,000 (€400)
KTAMS (Turkish Cypriot Public Servants’ Union) calculated the hunger threshold based on the ‘required nutrition’ list published by the department of in-patient services of the TRNC Health Ministry and with retail price averages published by the Department of Statistics.
- “Virus” is the cause – President Ersin Tatar briefed the parliament regarding the Geneva talks. Before the briefing, he said he could not inform the parliament ahead of Geneva due to the risk of infection.
- “We have officially conveyed our warnings” – TDP leader Cemal Özyiğit explained the reasons as to why his party attended President Ersin Tatar’s briefing of the parliament.
- Calling on people aged 50 and above – 6,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines were handed over by the EU yesterday. People aged 40 and above can get the AstraZeneca jabs without having to book an appointment but those aged 50 and above must make appointments for Pfizer/BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines.
- In order not to undergo another lockdown: Safepass – The two-week-long lockdown in line with the Covid-19 restrictions in South Cyprus ended yesterday. There are now new rules in place.
We need to wake up
While South Cyprus lifted the restrictions it has started to accept tourists with proof of vaccination. While the daily number of cases in the south remains above the 300 mark, beaches, hair salons, betting establishments, shops, restaurants and cafes started operating as of yesterday. A night-time curfew is in place between 11 pm and 5 am. The Greek Cypriot administration also expanded tourism activities within the scope of easing restrictions. All tourists, including non-EU citizens, will be allowed entry by providing proof of vaccination. The PCR or quarantine requirement for these tourists has been lifted.
- They will march to Metehan (Ayios Dhometios) – Economic organisations in the TRNC are holding a demonstration today for the opening of crossing points.
Hit by the electric current
EL-SEN (Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority Workers’ Union), which went on strike for an indefinite period, announced it will cut the power supply of those who exploit the community and not ordinary citizens. EL-SEN president Kubilay Özkıraç said the people will see whose power supply will be cut today, noting that the strike will not affect the people, hospitals or essential services.
- 276 positive cases of coronavirus and one death in the south, 34 cases in the north…
Main News
Tatar briefs parliament on 5+1, opposition unhappy with TC side’s policies
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Nothing new was disclosed at an extraordinary session carried out in the Turkish Cypriot parliament on Monday by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar who briefed MPs on the details of the five-plus-one conference which took place in Geneva last month.
Speaking to reporters after the session which lasted for five hours, Tatar said that his policy in favour of a two-state solution on the island was well-known. “I am proud to make our two-state solution policies to the entire world,” Tatar said, adding that he was able to put on record the Turkish Cypriot side’s position, which he added was fully backed by Turkey.
Noting that he considers himself successful in bringing a new perspective to the talks, Tatar said the world was now informed of the Turkish Cypriot side’s positions and the reasons as to why it is not possible to achieve a federal solution on the island.
He also denied claims by the opposition that he had hidden the six-point proposal before presenting in Geneva. Tatar also said he had been unable to inform the parliament before the talks in Geneva talks due to the risks of infection.
“The Geneva meeting was very important, and we could not risk it,” Tatar stressed and reminded there were some MPs who had tested positive and some in self-isolation for being in contact with them.
Responding to a question on the boycott of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Tatar said he was taken aback by their decision as the decision to hold the briefing had come from parliament’s advisory board which the CTP had earlier approved.
“This is not democracy nor is it political tolerance,” Tatar said, adding that the CTP must also contribute to adopting a unified stance as the conjuncture in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean had changed. He also refuted the accusations that he derailed the talks, stating that the process was continuing.
In response to a question on the vaccines, Tatar also rejected the criticisms by the opposition and said “It’s not incompetence. The EU is being unfair on the Turkish Cypriots.” Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit, speaking during a programme on Bayrak, said “Tatar did not say anything new during the debriefing.”
Also speaking to Bayrak, National Unity Party (UBP) General Secretary Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu criticized the CTP’s refusal to attend Monday’s meeting.
He said it would have been good to listen to the CTP’s views. The UBP MP also said the CTP might disagree with Tatar’s opinions but they should have attended the meeting simply to show respect for the office of the president.
People’s Party (HP) leader Kudret Özersay in his evaluation of Tatar’s briefing said the HP has made both criticisms and recommendations during the meeting.
Referring to the six-point proposal submitted, the HP leader argued the Turkish Cypriot side should not have laid any preconditions if they wanted to discuss something other than the federal model. He added that as it seems the efforts to find a common ground between the two sides will continue, then some steps that will create breathing space for the Turkish Cypriots must be taken.”
“The most realistic solution model is a federation”, the pro-solution platform says
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
“This Country is Ours” Platform in a letter sent on Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the bizonal, bicommunal federal solution, (BBF) which will have single sovereignty, single international identity and single citizenship, based on the political equality of the communities is the most viable and the realistic model for Cyprus.
The Platform also expressed its disappointment over the outcome of the informal meeting in Geneva despite the efforts displayed by the UN Secretary-General.
It also harshly criticised the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side’s proposal, which fell outside of the UN parameters or UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Cyprus.
“The Turkish Cypriot community adamantly rejects the two-state proposal submitted by the Turkish side,” the platform stressed, claiming that Tatar did not represent the political will of the Turkish Cypriot community.
It argued that Tatar was elected through interference in the Turkish Cypriot community’s political will. “The Turkish Cypriot side’s latest proposal which advocates for a ‘non-solution not only holds Turkish Cypriots as ‘political hostages,’ but blocks the implementation of confidence-building measures (CBMs) and threatens the existence of the Turkish Cypriot community,” the platform stressed.
Appealing to the Secretary-General, the platform urged him to intensify his efforts to find a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.
“While we appreciate your continued efforts to reach a mutually acceptable agreement based on UN parameters and past convergences, we request that you intensify your efforts,” it concluded.
KEY ACTORS
This Country is Ours Platform
>> BBF solution based on single sovereignty, single international identity & citizenship most viable & realistic model for Cyprus.
>> Outcome of Geneva meeting disappointing.
>> TC community rejects TC leader’s two-state proposal as Tatar does not represent TCs’ political will.
>> Tatar’s proposal holds TCs as political hostages, blocks CBMs & threatens the TC community’s existence.
>> UNSG should intensify efforts for a comprehensive solution based on UN parameters, resolutions & past convergences.
Reopening of crossings back on the agenda in the north
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
CBMs
OVERVIEW
The issue of the crossing points which have been effectively closed for normal or daily crossings since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic over a year ago continues to be debated in the north.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersan Saner on Monday rejected accusations directed at the government by the opposition that it was deliberately keeping the crossing points closed.
Speaking on a web TV programme Saner said he felt the need for the public to be informed correctly regarding the crossing points. “It must be known that it was the Greek Cypriot side which shut the crossings,” Saner stressed, adding that his government was ready to implement necessary political decisions that would allow normalisation at the checkpoints.
“I cannot even think of what the Greek Cypriot administration will decide on the issue, but everyone should rest assured that the Turkish Cypriot government has no qualms about it,” Saner concluded.
Main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman was quick in responding to Saner on social media. “What matters now is to reopen the crossings in line with recommendations to be made by health professionals from both sides,” Erhürman stressed, adding that it is not important to pin blame on closed the crossings first.
“What needs to be done is for the Turkish Cypriot leadership to initiate the dialogue and bring the matter to the agenda,” he said, reiterating the importance of the crossings for the Turkish Cypriot economy as well as social relations of the two communities.
Also, another CTP MP, Fikri Toros broadened the scope of his criticisms from the crossings to international travel. In a social media post on Monday, Toros urged the Turkish Cypriot leadership and the government to swiftly work on introducing a “vaccine passport” or a digital certificate for international travel.
Noting that the “green pass” will contain details on the individual’s medical history regarding the coronavirus, Toros said it is vital to make North Cyprus a safe destination for travel.
“The Turkish Cypriot leadership on one hand must start a dialogue with the Greek Cypriot side for the opening of the crossings and on the other launch initiatives with EU officials on being included in the safe destinations list,” Toros stressed.
He also urged the leadership to submit epidemiological data on the pandemic in the north to World Health Organisation (WHO) based on the required criteria to avoid the north being labelled as an “unknown grey area.”
Hiding behind the Higher Board for Infectious Diseases, Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu on Monday said the government has no timeline on the issue of the crossings. “We will follow the decisions given by the Higher Board,” Ertuğruloğlu said in his remarks to Yenidüzen, adding that the number of positive cases in the south will determine when the crossings can return to normal.
National Unity Party (UBP) MP and a doctor by profession, Faiz Sucuoğlu said the contributions of the crossings to the Turkish Cypriot economy was undeniable but that the epidemiological situation in the south could not be ignored either.
“It is necessary to monitor the number of cases in the south and not politics,” Sucuoğlu said, adding that the Higher Board must carefully evaluate the pandemic.
Also speaking to Yenidüzen, Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit said the checkpoints must be opened after the Bairam (Eid al-Fitr) weekend for daily crossings. He urged the bicommunal technical committee on health to convene with the agenda item of reopening the crossings.
Another TDP MP Zeki Çeler also pointed out to the bicommunal technical committee on health in his remarks to the Turkish Cypriot daily and said the crossing procedures can be identified by the technical committee on health.
People’s Party (HP) leader Kudret Özersay reiterated his viewpoints on the issue, stating that the daily crossings should start with PCR or rapid tests.”
In the meantime, the leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) İzzet İzcan on Monday called on the minority government to take “determined steps to reopen the crossing points.” In a statement issued from the BKP, İzcan echoed the CTP’s leader’s views on reopening the crossing points.
The Famagusta Initiative on Monday pointed out the citizens’ freedom of movement in Cyprus, which is a basic human right, has been restricted for 438 days. It stressed the need for swift decisions to be adopted to end the violation of this right.
The Initiative also urged the international actors, political parties and other civil society organisations (CSOs) to “raise their voice to intensify the demands for the reopening of crossings.”
The Initiative pointed out that since the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been significant developments on the coronavirus with multiple vaccines being able and nearly 100,000 PCR tests conducted on both sides of the divide daily.
“In light of the realities on the island, we urge the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaderships to take steps swiftly to normalise the crossing points,” the Initiative concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Saner (UBP)
>> TC side not responsible for the closure of crossing points.
>> Government ready to implement political decisions for reopening of crossings.
Erhürman (CTP)
>> Crossings should be opened based on recommendations of health experts.
>> TC leadership needs to initiate the dialogue & and raise the issue to the agenda.
>> Crossings are important for the TC economy & social relations of the two communities.
Ertuğruloğlu (UBP)
>> No timeline on crossings. Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases will determine when crossings should return to normal.
Sucuoğlu (UBP)
>> Epidemiological situation in the south cannot be ignored.
Özyiğit (TDP)
>> Crossings should open after the Eid holiday in the north.
Özersay (HP)
>> Daily crossings should start with PCR or rapid tests.
İzcan (BKP)
>> Government should take determined steps on reopening crossings.
Famagusta Initiative
>> Citizens’ freedom of movement is restricted.
>> Swift decisions are needed to be adopted to end this practice.
>> International community must raise their voice on the matter.
6,000 doses of vaccines from the EU delivered to the north
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
CBMs
OVERVIEW
6,000 AstraZeneca vaccines were handed over to the Turkish Cypriot health officials at the Metehan (Agios Domethios) crossing point on Monday.
The delivery of the vaccines, which were allocated by the EU for the Turkish Cypriot community, was facilitated through the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health. The EU has so far sent 10,350 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech and 13,700 doses of AstraZeneca amounting to a total of 24,050 doses.
The latest delivery will bring the total number of vaccines sent by the EU to 30,050. Turkey, the north’s other primary vaccine supplier, has sent 140,000 doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine to date.
Meanwhile, the Economic Organisations Platform (EOP) will stage a protest against the EU arguing that the vaccines earmarked by the EU for the island’s population are not being distributed fairly and based on the population ratio between the north and the south.
Nearly 40 representatives from the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors’ Association (KTIMB), Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KTSO) and the Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers’ Association (KITOB) will attend the protest on Tuesday at the Metehan (Agios Domethios) crossing point and will read out a press statement in English and in Turkish.
In the meantime, the Turkish Cypriot chair of the bicommunal technical committee on health Cenk Soydan rejected the accusations that the Turkish Cypriot side is not doing what it should obtain more vaccines from the EU.
Speaking during a programme on Bayrak, Soydan said: “We are requesting enough vaccines from the EU for the Turkish Cypriot community.” He also noted that the health officials in the north expect more vaccines to be delivered from Turkey in the coming period.