Front Page Headlines
‘A blow to local production’
The Minister of Agriculture Nazım Çavuşoğlu announced the government will allow the import of flour and flour products due to the rise in the price of bread. Turkish Cypriot flour companies, Arun, Başpınar Un and Yavuzlar Un reacted sharply to the decision, halting local production. The producers, arguing that a heavy blow had been dealt against local production, blame the government and demand that the decision be reversed.
- Solidarity is important –Sek General Secretary Andreas Matasas has spoken to Yenidüzen. “We can aim for a future where everyone respects each other,” he said.
The number of insured workers drops but unemployment figures rise
According to the data obtained from the Labour Department, the number of registered unemployed rose to 789 in the third quarter of 2021, compared to 741 in the previous quarter. The number of employed and registered with the Social Security department decreased to 105,945 in 2021 from 119,588 in 2020.
- More than 300 Turkish Cypriots applied for work in the South.
What a great tragedy
24-year-old Ali Bayırbaşı who was preparing for an off-road race lost control of his vehicle before flipping off the road. 19-year-old passenger İlke Numan died in the crash. He was rushed to Near East Hospital but could not be saved. It emerged that Bayırbaşı was currently on trial for hitting and killing 57-year-old Leyla Watt three months ago on the Kyrenia-Güzelyurt (Morphou) road. He had been released on bail and was waiting for his trial.
- Solidarity with the Greek Cypriots – King of Jordan Abdullah visited South Cyprus for a second time this year.
And now the flour factories
When the government allowed the import of flour and other flour products without taxes or customs duty, the three flour factories in the north decided to shut down. The workers employed by the three factories are now faced with the threat of losing their jobs. The people were outraged with the government’s decision.
- Betraying its people – Road to Independence said the Turkish Cypriots will resist the government, which is trying to turn the Turkish Cypriots into beggars.
Main News
Head of SEK says TC workers’ rights will be protected
Yenidüzen
Economy
OVERVIEW
“Solidarity between the two communities is important,” SEK (Cyprus Workers Confederation) General Secretary Andreas Matsas in an interview published in Yenidüzen on Sunday.
He said that the two communities could aim for a joint future based on mutual respect, adding that the Turkish Cypriots seeking employment in the south will help address shortages faced by the establishments.
Matsas said that the situation will benefit everyone. “What is important is that SEK and Türk-Sen (Turkish Cypriot Federation of Labour Unions have partnered up to provide Turkish Cypriots not only with jobs but to provide them with legal protection. We could have easily closed our eyes and allowed Turkish Cypriots to find work through their means. That would have been easy, but we are trying to make sure workers earn properly wages and salaries as well as benefit from collective agreements.
Matsas said that SEK has been collaborating with Türk-Sen since the early 70s particularly on issues concerning the Cyprus Problem. “Both unions are registered with the European Trade Union Confederation and the International Trade Union Confederation,” he said.
The SEK General Secretary said that most of the jobs available were in the hospitality and dining sectors. He added that the high demand revealed that the situation was much worse than he predicted.
Oktay: Ankara advocates for a two-state solution in Cyprus
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Diyalog, Avrupa
Regional/ International Relations
OVERVIEW
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay on Saturday said Ankara is advocating for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality that will safeguard Turkish Cypriots’ safety and ensure the protection of their rights.
Addressing the Turkish parliament on behalf of the Turkish government following the adoption of the 2022 Budget, Oktay added Ankara has and will continue to protect Turkey’s and Turkish Cypriots’ rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“I wish to reiterate Turkey will not make any concessions from its rights in the natural resources in Cyprus, in the Aegean or the Eastern Mediterranean,” Oktay stressed, adding that Turkey has strengthened its current presence with seismic research vessels, drilling vessels and naval forces in the field with strong diplomacy at the table.
“The Eastern Mediterranean is a national cause for us,” Oktay said, adding that Ankara is not interested in anyone’s rights but also will not allow anyone to usurp Turkey’s rights either. “We will not allow anyone to enter our maritime jurisdiction areas without any permission nor are we going to tolerate the steps taken against Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, which are both being spoilt by the EU,” Oktay stressed.
Oktay noted that Ankara has also advocated for dialogue in overcoming the hydrocarbon problems and other disputes. He added that the recent high-level meetings held are proof of Ankara’s good intentions and sincerity.
The Turkish Vice President said Ankara is also determined to develop its relations with the EU within the perspective of full membership.
KEY ACTORS
Oktay (Turkey)
>> Ankara advocates for a two-state solution based on sovereign equality that will safeguard the TCs’ rights.
>> Ankara to continue to protect TCs’ rights in the East Med.
>> Turkey will not make any concessions from its rights in Cyprus, the Aegean or the East Med.
Three Syrian migrants discovered near Derinya (Deryneia)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Three Syrian undocumented migrants were discovered by Turkish Cypriot police near Derinya (Deryneia) on Friday evening. The migrants were detained by the police after it was ascertained they do not have any proof of legal entry into the north.
The police officer in charge of the investigation told the court on Saturday the migrants confessed to coming north by boat from Mersin, Turkey together with nine others.
The police officer also informed the court that even though the migrants will be charged for illegally entering the north, they will also be subjected to further investigate whether they entered the north from the south. He said the Syrian migrants’ feet and legs were covered in mud from red soil, which is found in the villages in the Famagusta region.
The court ordered the three irregular migrants to be remanded for three more days until the police conclude their investigation.