GCC Press Review 31 May 2019

Front Page Headlines

Politis

Premiere for GESY (National Health Scheme), medicine for the pocket

As of tomorrow the new era in the health sector will become a reality. Hundreds of high in demand medicines at €1 or at a price much lower than today’s price. A stern message from the health minister to those who pose obstacles.

  • Natural gas: €45 billion in net proceeds
  • Bicommunal theatre for the deaf

Phileleftheros

Alarm at the eleventh hour

(Agreements) have been signed with pharmaceutical providers and almost all (medicines) will be available in GESY. “Strategic tackling of last-minute problems” by the HIO (Health Insurance Organisation).

  • He will represent all Cypriots says (AKEL MEP-elect) Niyazi (Kizilyurek)
  • Pressing on Turkey for the provocations (in the Cypriot EEZ)
  • Dangerous piracy: Eastern Mediterranean heating up bad
  • Questions over 550 fallen of the invasion: 100 genealogy trees present problems.

Haravgi

Historic breakthrough for the prospects of the country

AKEL and Niyazi Kizilyurek have the will to work so that their cooperation will truly be a historic event that will make breakthroughs in the history and prospects for our country and our people, said Andros Kyprianou and the newly elected MEP. Mr Kizilyurek said he is going to Brussels on Monday.

  • The prime real estate plot was destined for refugees
  • The ‘government’ Turkey wanted was formed, says (CTP leader Tufan) Erhurman

Cyprus Mail

Call to support GESY ‘revolution’

Grumbling goes on just 24 hours before the new national health scheme kicks off.

  • Kizilyurek says his election a chance for sides to work together
  • A ‘safe hub’ in the Middle East – The government is willing and ready to assume the responsibility of creating a safe transfer hub in the complex region of the Middle East, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said on Thursday as he attended the Argonaut exercise at Larnaca port to test the readiness of government services.

Alithia

Revolution with question marks

After half a century of efforts GESY will be part of our lives as of tomorrow. Anastasiades: There will be problems just as with the GMI (Guaranteed Minimum Income) but they will be resolved over time. Health minister: No intention of postponing the introduction of GESY. (Head of medical association CyMA Petros) Agathangelou: CyMA is playing a joke on us. It fought GESY and now it is concerned over its implementation.

  • Joint interview with Andros (Kyprianou): Niyazi (Kizilyurek’s) response to those expressing concerns: I will be representing all the Cypriot people

Main News

Anastasiades: The EU will take measures against Turkey if need be

Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Regional/International Relations, Economy

OVERVIEW

The papers report on President Nicos Anastasiades’ expressed satisfaction that the EU stood in solidarity with Cyprus on the EEZ issue, but also his announcement that Cyprus’ efforts to remove the illegal restrictions imposed by Turkey on Cypriot-flagged ships would be intensifying.

Anastasiades said on Thursday he hoped Turkey would refrain from any further provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ to avoid measures being taken against it. He said, however, that if any measures were required, they would be taken. The foreign ministry already made the necessary comments on the Turkey’s accession progress report, he noted. “In any case, what I am aware of is that the European Union is monitoring Turkey and if measures are required, they will be taken,” he said.

Later in the day, addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber in Limassol, he said Cyprus’ efforts to remove the illegal restrictions imposed by Turkey on Cypriot-flagged ships, would intensify as the Turkish embargo was a clear violation of international law.

Anastasiades said Cyprus was proud of its shipping industry, which had played a decisive role in the steady recovery of the economy, acting not only as a gateway for foreign investment but also as an export destination of ship management services.

He also highlighted the prospects from the discovery of major hydrocarbon deposits in the region, and lauded the steady development of the Cyprus shipping industry despite Turkey’s illegal embargo on Cypriot-flagged vessels. “Our efforts to remove these anachronistic and illegal restrictions will be further intensified as they are a clear violation of international law,” Anastasiades said.

Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades’ comments on the EU report on Turkey’s accession process coincided with the issuance of a new Navtex by Turkey on the transfer of a second drilling rig for research activities which are presented as taking place north of the Republic of Cyprus, but in reality they are in the bay of Alexandretta, within Turkish territorial waters.

Phileleftheros and Haravgi also report on reactions by parties to the European Commission progress report on Turkey’s accession path.

DISY sees the report as the best answer to those claiming Cyprus did not have backing from Europe on the matter. The report accurately presents the situation as it is, both with regards to Turkey’s obligations to Cyprus and the role it must assume on the Cyprus problem.

AKEL said it is waiting to see in what way the EU will react, as per statements so far that it would do so in solidarity with Cyprus.

One of the measures that could be taken is ending discussions on the upgrade of the Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, said AKEL, arguing that the report mentions an upgrade of relations is not on the cards but for reasons irrelevant with Turkish activities in the Cypriot EEZ.

The party also said that the report attributes no responsibilities to Turkey for the prolonged standstill as regards the Cyprus problem. On the contrary, it refers to an ongoing commitment and active contribution of Turkey to the talks for a solution within the UN framework.

AKEL also said that it would be in the best interests of Cyprus for Turkey’s European perspective not to be halted since this prospect is a motive for a solution to the Cyprus problem. But for Turkey’s European course to continue it must fulfill its obligations to Cyprus, the party said.

EDEK said it considers the EU ‘s attitude a positive step, arguing that the Cypriot government should ask for the suspension of the upgrading of the EU customs relationship with Turkey, and for the end of accession negotiations to not only be linked with democracy issues within Turkey but also with its obligations to Cyprus and its provocative actions against Greece and Cyprus.

The head of the Solidarity Movement, Eleni Theocharous, criticises the way the government is handling things, arguing that its reaction so far has been restricted to a rhetorical level.

She called on the government to take actions on the measures it has been announcing such as issuing international arrest warrants against those participating in Turkey’s illegal actions in the Cypriot EEZ.

DIPA considers that maintaining Turkey within a European orbit serves primarily the Republic of Cyprus, but also the consolidation of peace and security conditions in the region.

KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>>
Expressed hope Turkey would refrain from any further provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ to avoid measures being taken against it. If measures were required, they would be taken by the EU.
>> Cyprus will intensify efforts to remove illegal & anachronistic restrictions imposed by Turkey on Cypriot-flagged ships since Turkish embargo is a clear violation of international law.
>> Seen a steady development of the Cyprus shipping industry despite Turkey’s illegal embargo.

DISY
>>
EU’s progress report accurately presents situation regarding Turkey’s obligations to Cyprus & role it must assume on Cyprob. Proof that Cyprus has from Europe on the matter.

AKEL
>>
Waiting to see exactly what EU measures against Turkey will be.
>> One measure could be to end discussions on upgrading EU-Turkey Customs Union. Could link this with Turkish activities in the Cypriot EEZ.
>> EU report attributes no responsibilities to Turkey for prolonged standstill on Cyprob. Refers instead to Turkey’s ongoing commitment & active contribution to talks within UN framework.
>> Cyprus benefits more from continuation of Turkey’s European perspective since its a motive for Turkey to pursue Cyprob solution, as long as it fulfills its obligations to Cyprus.

EDEK
>>
EU’s attitude in report a positive step.
>> Wants to suspend upgrade of EU-Turkey customs union & to link accession negotiations with Turkish obligations to Cyprus & Turkey’ provocative actions against Greece and Cyprus.

Theocharous (Solidarity Movement)
>>
Criticises government over handling & for not implementing announced measures against Turkey’s actions.
>> Calls on government to take actions such as issuing international arrest warrants against those participating in Turkey’s illegal actions in the Cypriot EEZ.

DIPA
>>
Believes continuation of Turkey’s European prospects serves primarily the RoC but also improves peace and security conditions in the region.


AKEL: Kizilyurek’s election cannot be a solution model

Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Negotiations Process

OVERVIEW

All papers reported on the joint press conference by AKEL MEP-elect Niyazi Kizilyurek and the party’s leader Andros Kyprianou, aimed at setting the record straight as regards criticism and concerns over the latter’s election and who he would be representing at the European Parliament.

Kizilyurek described Sunday’s election as having “historical importance” since it was the first time in the history of Cyprus that GCs and TCs jointly supported a ticket. “Whether this event will be historic depends on us and how hard we will work to achieve what we want,” he said, pledging that he will be fully cooperating with AKEL.

He said he was a candidate in last Sunday’s elections as a European citizen living on the island and not because of his ethnic background, adding he would be representing the entire Cypriot people and other European citizens.

Kizilyurek said he had experienced a lot of suspicion and doubt during the campaign, noting that many apparently confused the Euro-elections with national elections.

He said the six Cypriot representatives to the European Parliament are accountable and will defend the interest of all EU citizens, including GCs, TCs, Maronites, Armenians, Latins, and others living on the island.

Kizilyurek said the European Parliament was not the place where the Cyprus problem would be solved but that the European elections offered the two communities a chance to cooperate.

“I think this is what the EU wants, to help the two communities come closer,” he said, adding that the EU’s experience in the reconciliation of people would be good for Cyprus.

Kyprianou said they fully understood the responsibility they have assumed towards the country and the Cypriot people. “We have the will to work for the success of this cooperation and we want it to become a truly historic event,” Kyprianou said.

He said Kizilyurek’s candidacy sent the message that GCs and TCs can work together provided they have the same love for their common country and the same political goals: Cyprus’ reunification and peaceful coexistence.

According to Haravgi, Kyprianou and Kizilyurek also spoke about political equality and made it clear that any approach claiming that Kizilyurek’s election was proof that political equality was not necessary was not in touch with reality.

Kyprianou said there must be political equality following the solution and referred to a convergence between the two sides that post-solution, GCs will claim four seats in the EP and TCs two seats.

Kizilyurek’s election cannot be a solution model, he said.

Kizilyurek too said that it would be a mistake for some to believe that his election renders political equality useless. His election does not change anything as regards the status of the TCs and this is stipulated in the Constitution where it refers to a community and not a minority.

On concerns expressed by other parties on what his position will be on issues concerning lifting the ‘isolation’ of the TCs, Kizilyurek said he never spoke of lifting the embargo and there was never an issue of “lifting the isolation, the embargo of TCs.”

Politis reports that sources within the Presidential Palace point out that Kizilyurek will work to see the implementation of a decision of April 26, 2004, in which, it is  explicitly mentioned that “the Council is determined to put an end to the isolation of the TC community and to the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the TC community.” According to the same circles, AKEL has been consistently fighting since 2004 to overturn this decision. It remains to be seen what Kizilyurek will do on this matter at the EP, the sources said, according to Politis.

Phileleftheros reported that AKEL and Kizilyurek wanted to clear the picture as to who he represents but also the actions of the new MEP in the EP.

In another article, a comment piece, Phileleftheros said Kizilyurek was not very clear as to his own attitude toward Turkey’s EU membership and whether he was for suspension, termination or a freeze in the process. He said that the reaction must be according to political criteria and not cultural and religious ones as the far-right is doing, with Kyprianou noting that this was also AKEL’s position, the paper said.

KEY ACTORS
Kizilyurek (AKEL MEP)
>>
Election of historical importance since for the first time in Cyprus GCs and TCs jointly supported a ticket. How historical an event it will be depends on how hard everyone works to achieve their goals.
>> Will be fully cooperating with AKEL.
>> Ran in elections as EU citizen, not as TC & will defend interests of all Cypriots & other EU citizens.
>> Many apparently confused the Euro-elections with national elections.
>> The EP will not solve the Cyprob but it offers an opportunity for the two communities to cooperate.
>> Believes the EU wants to help the two communities come closer.
>> It would be a mistake for some to believe that his election renders political equality useless as it does not change the status of the TCs. The Constitution refers to a community and not a minority.
>> For him there was never an issue of lifting the isolation or the embargo of TCs.
>> Any reaction to Turkey’s EU prospect should be based on political, not cultural and religious criteria as the far-right is doing.

Kyprianou (AKEL)
>>
AKEL fully aware of responsibility it has assumed towards the country & the Cypriot people and is willing to work for the success of its cooperation with Kizilyurek & make it a truly historic event.
>> Kizilyurek’s candidacy sent the message that GCs and TCs can work together provided they share the same political goals which are Cyprus’ reunification and peaceful coexistence.
>> There must be political equality following the solution. According to the relevant convergence GCs will claim four seats in the EP and TCs two post-solution.
>> Kizilyurek’s election cannot be a solution model.
>> AKEL agrees with Kizilyurek that reaction to Turkey’s EU future must be based on political criteria


Estimated natural gas proceeds at €45bn

Politis
Energy, Economy

OVERVIEW

Politis reports that the chief of Economic Studies of Hellenic Bank, Andreas Assiotis, estimated that net income from the exploitation of hydrocarbons discovered so far will be at €45 billion with the flow of money to begin in eight years’ time.

Speaking at the annual gala dinner of the bank’s business sector Assiotis presented in detail his estimate based on the current situation. He stressed however that despite the positive outlook, further analysis will be needed in the coming months to better identify the potential hydrocarbon reserves, the daily reported.


Ankara tries to escalate tension in East Med

Phileleftheros
External Security

OVERVIEW

The daily reports that Ankara appears determined to raise tensions even more in the eastern Mediterranean by raising the question as to who will be the ruler of the region.

It said that a video clip tweeted by the Turkish Anadolu agency raising this question was not random and may be considered as a reply to Brussels and their latest placement (the report on Turkey’s accession).

The news agency tweeted: “Who will control the Eastern Mediterranean?” adding that the sea’s waters are warming up.  The post included a two-and-a-half-minute video clip prepared by Anadolu presenting the situation in the area and “the battle of dominance” in the Eastern Mediterranean, the daily reported. The clip refers to the tripartite partnerships of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece with other countries of the region, the efforts of Russia and the US in the Eastern Mediterranean and of course all Turkish actions around Cyprus and the messages Turkish officials send, it said.

According to Phileleftheros, what Ankara is trying to succeed through Anadolu, is to create a climate of tension, the daily said, adding that timing is important since it comes within 24 hours following the new EU condemnations on Turkish activity, while at the same time Greece and Turkey are heading for elections in the coming period.   

The daily reports that the video clip was posted around the same time when Turkish Foreign Mevlut Cavusoglu, said during a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that the TCs are still exposed to inhumane embargoes and pressures.

KEY ACTORS
Cavusoglu
>>
TCs are still exposed to inhumane embargoes and pressures.


‘Cyprus ready to act as a safe transfer hub during regional crises’

Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros
External Security

OVERVIEW

The government is willing and ready to assume the responsibility to create a safe transfer hub in the complex region of the Middle East, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said on Thursday, addressing the final phase of the multinational exercise Argonaut/ESTIA at Larnaca port, the Cyprus Mail reports.

Christodoulides said that Cyprus, due to its geographical position, has an important role to play as a safe transfer hub and is willing and ready to assume this responsibility to secure the interests of its close partners and for the benefit of the international community.

He said the two-day table-top exercise, coordinating the procedures of the National Plan ESTIA and of the Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations Coordination Group (also known as NEO), which presently comprises 19 member nations, plus the EEAS, aimed to test and improve preparedness in a non-crisis environment.

He also recalled that 13 years ago, Cyprus was used for the first time as a “safe haven” for an evacuation operation of civilians during the Lebanon crisis of 2006, adding that while there was no actual contingency plan at that time, the Republic’s services responded in a timely and effective way to tackle the influx of nearly 60,000 civilian evacuees, gaining the trust and appreciation of international partners.

Phileleftheros gave an extensive overview of the exercise and cited participating Cypriot officials who explained its importance.


Concerns over non-identification of remains of 1974 victims due to lack of genetic information

Phileleftheros
CBMs, Human Rights

OVERVIEW

The daily reports that there are fears that due to problems concerning information on the family trees of around 100 people killed during the 1974 invasion, the remains of some of those people may never be identified.

Except from the 829 GCs on the list of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), there are another 550 people who fell during the invasion in addition to 126 other people who have been removed from the CMP list because they were “assumed dead.” Some of the remains of people in the last two categories have been located and identified but the majority are still missing with fears expressed they will be never found, the daily said.

Citing former GC CMP member Nestoras Nestoros, Phileleftheros reports that there are problems with information on the genealogy trees of 100 of the 550 people killed but whose remains are still missing and given that their relatives are gradually dying, they might never be identified.

Nestoros raised the question as to why DNA samples were not taken from all relatives of these people.

Nestoros told Active radio that he had suggested in the past to employ geneticists to study these family trees and find samples to fill in the gaps, the paper reports.


First bicommunal theatre play by deaf people sends out strong messages

Politis
Human Rights

OVERVIEW

A group of youth aged between 14 and 21 years old from both sides of the divide have formed the  bicommunal theatre group for the deaf ‘All in One’ and are to stage their first play next month, the daily reported.

The group has been rehearsing each Saturday for the past few months at a hall in Ledra Palace hotel their play called ‘The silence in the mirror’.

 The creator of the group, special teacher for the deaf Elena Hadjipetrou, told Politis she has had the idea for many years but was able to make it a reality after meeting last year Gunes Kozak, a drama teacher at the University of Kyrenia.  

The aim of the group was, aside from getting to know each other, to produce a play addressed to both communities, she said.

She added that they were able to send the message that they wish for a society with full acceptance and peaceful cooperation.
“The deaf are linguistic minorities within their respective communities,” she said.

Hadjipetrou told Politis that for the youngest of the group, 14-year-old Cicek the project changed her life because before joining she had never met other deaf persons.

The performance has no words or music but only a few sounds. “We wanted to create such an environment for the public to enter the world of the deaf,” she said.

She said the group members chose to present to their viewers their own journey through time and get them to experience with them their feelings, and especially their silence. Hadjipetrou said the political aspect is that as a minority within their communities they have no issues between them.


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