Front Page Headlines
Call for probe into Anastasiades and other leaders
Resolution by the European Parliament on the Pandora Papers points at President Nicos Anastasiades. The European Parliament has asked for a thorough investigation on the Pandora Papers revelations for possible discrepancies concerning tax evasion through shell companies based in Cyprus and other countries. The MEPs express their sorrow for the fact that former and current EU politicians are named in the Pandora Papers, among President Anastasiades, through his former law office run by his daughters. The European Commission is called to table proposals for the regulation of ‘golden’ passport programmes and granting citizenship or residence permit but also assess if the identification procedure of politically exposed persons is effective.
- Occupied areas: The Turkish lira at rock bottom and without any fuel
- Ersan Saner: In the hands of the mafia and Turkey
- Azeri case: Search in an Engomi apartment
- DISY conference: Dialogue with opening up to society
- EDEK: New court order – The election congress is up in the air.
Pandora’s Box has been opened
We did not avoid the embarrassment. President Anastasiades’ name in a European Parliament resolution. The MEPs are calling for a probe into everything recorded in the Pandora Papers with references to names.
- Lavrov-Christodoulides on the Cyprus problem: Russian demands a more active role by the Security Council
- Presidential appearance by Averof before the (DISY) conference
- Ban on the conference and elections at EDEK
- Little Asya started her treatment yesterday
- They are looking for another two for the Azeri’s plans
Embarrassment without borders! The European Parliament ‘points the finger’ at Nicos Anastasiades
Pandora Papers: Thorough investigation into the involvement of Anastasiades and other politically exposed persons. DISY shamelessly covers for Anastasiades. (DISY MEPs) Loucas Fourlas and Lefteris Christoforou voted against the resolution.
- EU leaders summit: Neither Borrell nor Michel remembered offender Turkey
- TC drivers turned to petrol stations in the GC side
- Sidikek-PEO, BES: The bicommunal talks are the only way for solution and reunification
- The medicine has arrived (Photo caption) The Zolgensma box is right next to baby Asya
‘Delta + is only a matter of time’
The fact that the variant is on the rise in the UK is cause for worry.
- EP adopts resolution naming Anastasiades and other leaders included in Pandora Papers
- Photo caption: Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides is greeted on Thursday in Moscow by his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov where two bilateral agreements were signed – Lavrov was briefed by Christodoulides on the Turkish Cypriot side’s latest moves in Varosha, to which the former responded that it was unacceptable.
- Life-saving medication for little Asya arrives
Official premiere by Averof on the presidential elections
DISY will claim them with its own candidate. “Our legacy is that we are still standing due to the Anastasiades government’s management of an unprecedented financial crisis and a global pandemic.” “DISY is an open party that has nothing to fear from democracy.”
- Turkey’s actions on Varosha are unacceptable. Immediate resumption of talks – Russia’s positions through Sergey Lavrov. “Settlement of the Cyprus problem within the existing legal framework.”
- The European Parliament in a resolution calls for an investigation into the Pandora Papers
- Chaos in the occupied areas: They are coming to the free areas for petrol
- Occupied areas: Mafia boss Peker revealed a new ‘pink’ video involving a TC politician
- Blocking elections at EDEK with a court order
- A furious Erdogan: The 10 ambassadors (pleading Osman Kavala’s case) have no place in Turkey
Main News
Anastasiades among EU leaders lambasted for Pandora Papers reports
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The European Parliament’s resolution calling for thorough probes into political leaders mentioned in the Pandora Papers, including President Nicos Anastasiades, are among the main items in papers on Friday.
The resolution, adopted on Thursday by 578 votes in favour, 28 against and 79 abstentions, said that the Parliament “deplores the fact that a number of politicians, including EU high-level decision-makers, have also featured in the Pandora Papers, and calls on the authorities of the member states involved to carry out appropriate investigations into any wrongdoing.”
It “deplores, in particular, the fact that politicians such as Andrej Babiš, the Prime Minister of Czechia, and Nicos Anastasiades, the President of Cyprus, who both sit on the European Council, in addition to Wopke Hoekstra, the Dutch Minister of Finance, and also Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Milo Dakahovic, the President of Montenegro, and former Maltese Minister and former EU Commissioner John Dalli, have all been mentioned in the Pandora Papers with reported links with offshore dealings.”
MEPs identified what they see as the most urgent measures the EU needs to take to close loopholes that currently allow for tax avoidance, money laundering and tax evasion on a massive scale.
The resolution asks the European Commission to review the Pandora Papers revelations to analyse whether further legislation should be proposed and establish if legal action against some member states is warranted. MEPs said also the European Public Prosecutor should assess whether the revelations merit any specific investigations.
It also refers to ‘golden passport’ schemes, the papers report and calls on calls on the Commission to introduce proposals to regulate citizenship by investment and residency by investment schemes as soon as possible and assess the extent to which the identification of politically exposed persons (PEPs) and the application of enhanced due diligence is effectively carried out, and the obstacles faced by obliged entities in this regard.
MEPs called the current EU blacklist of tax havens a “blunt instrument,” unable to catch some of the worst-offending countries. For example, the British Virgin Islands accounts for two thirds of the shell companies in the Pandora Papers and yet do not feature on the EU blacklist, the resolution remarked.
Phileleftheros and Cyprus Mail report that reactions by opposition in Cyprus prompted a response by government spokesman Marios Pelekanos who said “the president not only does not refuse, but seeks a probe in order not only for the truth to shine but also to, once again prove wrong all those who use mudslinging as a means of political survival.”
Pelekanos was replying to main opposition AKEL that said “Nicos Anastasiades has made history in turning Cyprus into a laughing stock throughout the world. This is not only a problem for Mr Anastasiades, but an indignity hanging over the country itself.” The party also said this was “ridicule beyond compare. Anywhere else, we would have resignations.”
Hitting back, the government accused AKEL of resorting to sensationalism and cheap politicking. It said media reports clearly have not directly implicated the president in dodgy dealings.
Alithia reports that DIKO said the EP resolution was “a dark page for Cyprus.” The party said that, along with the name of President Anastasiades, the whole of Cyprus is being dragged through the mud and suggested that initiatives should be taken immediately to restore the name and image of Cyprus with radical reforms that will send out the message of stamping out corruption.
Similar announcements were issued by the Greens and EDEK, the daily reported.
Phileleftheros reports that Cyprus did not avoid a most serious exposure after the EP included Anastasiades’ name in the resolution on the Pandora Papers. According to the daily an intense backstage with efforts to avoid name references preceded the vote process, noting that the resolution does not mention the (president’s former) law office but the president of the Republic of Cyprus himself.
Haravgi reports that among the 28 votes against were the two DISY MEPs, Loukas Fourlas and Lefteris Christoforou while in the 79 abstentions were Greece’s New Democracy MEPs, which is not surprising, since just last week DISY refused to register and discuss the issue in the Cypriot Parliament. The daily also reports that the European People’s Party of which ruling DISY is a member, had tried to remove paragraph 12 in which reference was made to the incumbent EUCO officials such as Anastasiades and the Czech Prime Minister.
Cyprus Mail reports that the government sought to downplay the fact that Anastasiades was explicitly named in the resolution.
KEY ACTORS
European Parliament
>> EP deplores that EU high-level politicians, including Anastasiades, featured in the Pandora Papers & wants authorities of member states involved investigate any wrongdoing.
>> EU must urgently close any loopholes that allow, on a massive scale, tax avoidance, money laundering & tax evasion and see if further legislation is necessary or if legal action against some member states is warranted.
>> Calls for further regulation of citizenship/residency by investment schemes as soon as possible & make sure enhanced due diligence & identification of PEPs is effectively carried out.
>> The existing EU blacklist of tax havens is toothless as it fails to even catch some of the worst-offending countries that host shell companies such as the British Virgin Islands that do not feature on the blacklist.
Pelekanos (RoC spokesman)
>> Anastasiades truly wants a probe into the Pandora Papers reports, though he is not directly implicated in dodgy dealings, for the truth to shine & prove wrong all those who use mudslinging as a means of political survival.
>> Accuses AKEL of resorting to sensationalism & cheap politicking.
AKEL
>> Anastasiades has turned Cyprus into a laughing stock & ought to resign.
DIKO
>> EP resolution a black page for Cyprus as, along with Anastasiades, the entire country is being dragged through the mud.
>> Calls for radical reforms to restore the name and image of Cyprus & to send out the message of stamping out corruption.
Moscow, Nicosia call for more P5 involvement in Cyprob
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, called for a more active involvement of the five permanent members of the Security Council (P5) in the Cyprus problem during a meeting in Moscow, the dailies report.
After their meeting, Lavrov said Moscow considers as “unacceptable and counter-productive” the unilateral steps taken in relation to the fenced area of Varosha in Famagusta and conveyed Russia’s support to efforts for a swift restart of reunification talks on the island.
He said the two governments reaffirmed that it is necessary for the P5 to become engaged in discussions regarding the external aspects of the Cyprus settlement. Lavrov said his government reiterated its view on replacing the existing, outdated system of guarantees for Cyprus with new guarantees through the UN Security Council.
In a written statement earlier in the day, the Russian foreign ministry stated it is not in favour of a revision of the model for a Cyprus solution, or a change in the negotiating framework.
Christodoulides said they had the opportunity for an honest and open dialogue as they always have, and they had a very constructive discussion and exchange of views on bilateral relations, the pandemic, as well as international and regional issues, EU-Russia relations, the Cyprus issue and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He said that he reiterated Cyprus’ hope and expectation that the UN Security Council would play a leading role in the ongoing efforts to resume substantive talks, always on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions, and requested the Russian minister’s input in this direction.
Christodoulides also said they discussed Turkey’s illegal and provocative actions in the fenced area of Varosha, in violation of the Security Council resolutions and violations in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). He said that Turkey’s actions in the EEZ violate the international law and work negatively in the effort to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. He also said that they undermine stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Christodoulides and Lavrov also signed two agreements: the Strategic Framework for Cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation for the period 2022 – 2024, a renewal of the Joint Action Plan that was in force until recently. The second was an agreement between the two governments for Cooperation during Humanitarian Operations in the Event of Crisis Management Situations.
According to Phileleftheros Russia has always been a strong pillar of support for Nicosia’s positions within the Security Council, therefore, actions aimed at ensuring a more active role by the Security Council on the Cyprus issue fully satisfy the Cypriot government.
KEY ACTORS
Lavrov (Russia)
>> The unilateral steps in Varosha are unacceptable and counter-productive.
>> Moscow supports a swift restart of reunification talks within the agreed solution framework. Not in favour of a change of the solution model or negotiating framework.
>> Necessary for P5 become engaged in discussions on external aspects of Cyprob. Security on island could be ensured by SC which can replace existing, outdated system of guarantees.
Christodoulides (RoC)
>> Cyprus would like Russia push for SC to assume leading role in efforts to resume substantive talks, based on UN resolutions.
>> Turkey’s actions in Varosha & EEZ violate international law & hamper effort for Cyprob solution, but also undermine stability and security in EastMed.
Anastasiades to brief EUCO of Turkish moves in Varosha, EastMed
Haravgi, Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that President Nicos Anastasiades was to brief on Friday his EU counterparts at the European Council (EUCO) on developments on Turkey’s actions in Varosha and Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the fact the TC leadership is letting the occupation army use GC land in Cape Apostolos Andreas reportedly for the creation of a naval base.
He is to also convey Nicosia’ s position on the migration issue due to the pressure the country is under from the flows of migrants arriving from Turkey and the occupied areas.
Haravgi, however, reports that neither EU High Representative Josep Borrell or President of the European Council Charles Michel remembered Turkey’s aggression during the first day of the EUCO yesterday where the focus was on the energy crisis and the rule of law, the latter in connection with developments in Poland.
Citing statements by the two EU officials, the daily reported that ‘no one said a word about Turkey’.
The dailies also report on statements by Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson Tanzu Bilgic that, if the GCs carry out a new offshore drilling in November, Turkey would react to protect the TCs’ rights.
DISY to launch dialogue ahead of presidential elections
Alithia, Phileleftheros, Politis
Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
Head of ruling DISY Averof Neophytou said on Thursday the party would run in the 2023 presidential elections with its won candidate, though he did not disclose who this might be, the papers report.
In a press conference, Neophytou said the party would hold a conference next spring while it would launch a pre-election dialogue to shape the party’s political and ideological manifesto. He said the result of this political-ideological conference will be one of the main components of the programme for the governance of the country for 2023-2028.
Relying to a question on the party’s candidate, Neophytou said they will announce their position when the party decides to initiate the procedures for the presidential election. He said the party would have its own candidate.
DISY, he said, now opens a dialogue with society by undertaking a gigantic initiative that has never been done before in the Cypriot political scene.
Neophytou said that if one asks people on who can create the Cyprus of tomorrow, DISY is the guarantee for political, economic, and social stability, a party, he added, that managed, in the difficult times, to keep the country going.
Alithia reports that Neophytou’s press conference yesterday was deemed as DISY’s official premiere for express of interest in the presidential elections.
Concerns by GC-TC trade unions over Cyprob stalemate
Haravgi
Negotiations Process, CBMs
OVERVIEW
The daily reports that trade unions Sidikek-Peo and BES expressed after a meeting their strong concern for the impasse in the Cyprus problem and reiterated their commitment to a bicommunal bizonal federation.
During the meeting the two unions exchanged views on the Cyprus problem and the problems faced by workers.
In a joint statement they expressed their strong concern about the stagnation in the Cyprus problem arguing that the absence of dialogue and the creation of new faits accomplis lead to the final partition of the country. The bi-communal talks are the only way to reach an agreement between the two communities and for a solution that would reunite Cyprus, they said.
“With the reunification of our country, the workers, GCs and TCs, will be able to work in conditions of peace, security within a united economy with a single system of labour relations and uniform working conditions for all,” they said among other things.
They also said the pandemic and the measures taken in conjunction with the closure of the crossings created practical problems and did not allow the development of joint activities between the two organisations. They said they agreed to be in constant dialogue and to meet on October 27 to plan joint actions and activities for the coming period.
Investigations continue into alleged hitman
Phileleftheros, Politis
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that investigations continue into a 38-year-old Azeri national arrested a few weeks ago on the suspicion he arrived to Cyprus to execute deaths warrants on Israelis.
Two more suspects are being sought while police searched a house in Engomi in which the Azeri rented a room.
A 27-year-old man from Pakistan was also arrested in connection with the case after it emerged he had telephone contacts with the Azeri. It is believed he is the person who gave the alleged hitman a uniform of a delivery company so that he could unsuspectedly move about and execute his plans.
Authorities now have in their possession a second gun a GC man handed over to Politis, linked with the case. The man, who was staying in the same hotel in the north as the Azeri, handed this week to Politis a gun and a mobile phone he found hidden at the hotel in the north. He said he had seen the Azeri hiding them. Politis delivered the items to the police.