Front Page Headlines
Planning is a must despite being too late
Yenidüzen spoke to residents on the new construction plan for Famagusta, İskele (Trikomo) and Yeniboğaziçi (Agios Sergios) as well as the problems being faced in the area. It took photographs of the construction sites in İskele (Trikomo). “We can’t talk about actual development. All the projects are carried out without planning, without infrastructure and in an irregular fashion.”
- “We need to act immediately” – Doctors’ Association issued a statement on West Nile virus.
- Peace through books – Baranga publishing house founders Abdullah Korkmazhan and Maria Siakalli spoke to Yenidüzen and Haravgi about their goals and how they set up their project.
- “The only way out of the deadlock is for the leaders to do their part” –AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou expressed hope that the leaders’ meeting on August 9 will bear positive results.
S.O.S from Bafra (Vokholida) Tourism Area
We are embarrassed by those who litter in the Bafra (Vokholida) tourism area where more and more hotels are being opened after the area was declared a designated tourism zone.
- UNSC used wording proving our positions rights – Presidential spokesman Barış Burcu said.
- Determined to fight against the West Nile virus together – Health Minister Ali Pilli held a meeting with all the mayors.
- “Effective and continuous efforts needed” – TC Doctors’ Association warned the public on the West Nile virus and emphasized the need to introduce comprehensive measures.
Mobilisation over West Nile virus
Following the death of a man being treated for West Nile virus, the Health Ministry launched a comprehensive campaign in collaboration with the municipalities to eradicate mosquitoes responsible for carrying and transmitting the virus. Health Minister Ali Pilli held an emergency meeting with the mayors.
- Many legislative deficiencies – Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Salahi Şahiner, who is also the head of the parliamentary sub-committee on the Court of Auditors’ reports, said the reports the committee were reviewing revealed many legislative deficiencies. Şahiner said the committee will present its report to the parliamentary assembly and will request the necessary laws to be implemented.
Threat is everywhere
Turkish Cypriot Doctors’ Association asked for a comprehensive eradication campaign to be launched against the West Nile virus. The association also instructed the public on how to protect themselves. Municipalities have also mobilized. Health Minister Ali Pilli held a meeting with mayors on Saturday. A third case has been confirmed in South Cyprus.
- CCTV cameras to be moved elsewhere – Steps have been taken to correct the scandalous decision to erect poles for city surveillance cameras in the most inappropriate locations in Nicosia’s walled city and Kyrenia’s historic harbour. The cameras are to be moved elsewhere following public outrage.
Ötüken (Spathariko) wept
64-year-old Hilmi Bolel who died from West Nile virus was bid farewell. His hunting clothes were laid on his coffin.
- “Prayers to return home” – Religious ceremony held at the Agia Paraskevi church in Aslanköy (Angastina) for the first time in 45 years.
Four of 13 cases tested positive
Following the death of one person from the West Nile virus, the number of people who have been admitted to hospitals with symptoms has reached 13. Four of the patients have tested positive for the virus with two of them said to be in serious condition. The remaining patients are waiting for their test results from Turkey.
Main News
Burcu: UNSC used wording justifying TC side’s positions & arguments
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
President Akıncı’s Office on Saturday said wording in the latest UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on extending the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) justified the Turkish Cypriot side’s positions and arguments.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Akıncı’s spokesman Barış Burcu said the resolution failed to reflect the facts and realities in its true form in an attempt to adopt a balanced approach between the two sides.
“Despite treating the Turkish Cypriot side unfairly, which has always been constructive and creative in its approach, it is positive to see the UN Security Council emphasizing the importance of political equality,” Burcu said.
He argued that despite all warnings by the Turkish Cypriot side, the ongoing unilateral hydrocarbon activities of the Greek Cypriot side have led to a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region.
He pointed out that Akıncı’s latest proposal dated July 13, aimed at reducing tensions through the co-management of hydrocarbon reserves should not have been disregarded by the Security Council.
Burcu added the resolution included wording recognizing the Greek Cypriot administration as the sole authority on the island.
“This is unacceptable for the Turkish Cypriot side,” Burcu said.
He added, however, that it was also pleasing to see wording that justified the Turkish Cypriot side’s positions and arguments.
He pointed out that the resolution strongly emphasized the importance of political equality, which Akıncı has always insisted on, along with effective participation in decision-making processes.
“The Security Council, confirms the Turkish Cypriot side’s position on the matter by referring to UNSC Resolution 1991/716 and reiterates the vitality of political equality and effective participation,” Burcu underlined.
He added, “the resolution’s reference to the principles of political equality and effective participation, is seen as a serious warning to the Greek Cypriot side, which has attempted to reject these principles following Crans Montana, resulting in a deadlock in the UN Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute’s efforts.”
Burcu said that clarity on all the parties’ positions was needed before any talks could resume.
Should the Cyprus talks resume, the new process must be result-oriented and subject to a time frame, he added.
“In this respect, the terms of reference to be prepared must respect the past convergences, the 11 February 2014 Joint Declaration, and the 30 June-dated Guterres framework submitted by the UN Secretary-General in Crans Montana to all the sides,” Burcu underlined.
Burcu said Akıncı attached special importance to confidence-building measures (CBMs) without moving away from a fair, lasting and comprehensive settlement. He added that Akıncı has always tabled creative proposals and helped decisions to be implemented in that respect.
“He has exerted the utmost effort and continues to do so for the best implementation of CBMs. The fact that the resolution refers to CBMs and cooperation between parties within the framework of the same understanding and through similar wording is important,” Burcu stressed.
Burcu, however, pointed out that a major shortcoming of the resolution was its failure to seek the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side.
“The Turkish Cypriot side will continue to work in good faith and with a constructive approach to reach a fair solution based on political equality on the island,” Burcu concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> Wording in UNSC resolution justifies TC side’s positions & arguments.
>> Resolution fails to reflect all facts & realities in an attempt to adopt a balanced approach between the sides.
>> UNSC emphasizes the importance of political equality.
>> GC side’s unilateral hydrocarbon activities have led to a dangerous escalation of tension.
>> Disregarding of TC side’s latest proposal on hydrocarbons aimed at reducing tension disappointing.
>> References to GC side as the sole authority on the island unacceptable for TC side.
>> Strong emphasis on the importance of political equality positive aspect of the resolution.
>> The resolution’s reference to the principles of political equality & effective participation in decision-making processes is a serious warning to the GC side.
>> Clarification of all sides’ positions necessary before new talks can begin.
>> Any new process must be results-oriented & subject to a time frame.
>> The ToR to be prepared must respect the past convergences, 11 February 2014 Joint declaration, and June 30 dated Guterres framework.
>> TC side will continue to work in good faith & with a constructive approach to reach a fair solution based on political equality on the island.
Kyprianou expresses hope leaders’ meeting will yield positive results
Yenidüzen
Negotiations Process, Energy
OVERVIEW
General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou expressed hope that the upcoming leaders’ meeting on August 9 will yield positive results.
In an interview with Yenidüzen published on Sunday, Kyprianou said the only way out of the current deadlock was for the two leaders to do their part.
“In other words, they need to find ways to overcome the lack of trust between them, to show strength and courage, to hold the interests of Cyprus and the Cypriot people above everything else and to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to resume substantive talks,” he said.
Kyprianou argued that Turkey also needed to exercise will in that direction.
“The two leaders need to be in direct contact. There is a communication problem between them. Exchanging letters is not a healthy way to communicate. They need to meet face to face to discuss issues,” he added.
Kyprianou also said that the Guterres framework was the only basis for talks and that negotiations should resume from where they left off in Crans Montana.
“Anastasiades needs to convince the UN Secretary-General both with his words and actions that he wants this,” he said.
On the issue of hydrocarbons, Kyprianou said that the rising tensions in the region did not benefit anyone and that a way must be found urgently to de-escalate tensions.
KEY ACTORS
Kyprianou
>> Only way out of current deadlock is for leaders to do their part.
>> Leaders need to show strength & courage, find to overcome lack of trust between them, hold interests of Cyprus & Cypriot people above everything else & resume talks as soon as possible.
>> Turkey also has to exercise will in that direction.
>> Two leaders need to communicate directly, face to face.
>> Guterres framework only basis for talks.
>> Anastasiades needs to convince UNSG not only with words but actions that he wants a solution.
>> Rising tension in the region does not benefit anyone. A way must be found to de-escalate tensions.
Message of friendship after 45-year wait for church service
Diyalog
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
Former Greek Cypriot residents of Aslanköy (Angastina) held a religious ceremony in their village for the first time in 45 years.
The ceremony held on Saturday at the Agia Paraskevi church in Aslanköy lasted for two hours, according to a statement issued by the Greek Cypriot Orthodox Archbishopric.
The event was also attended by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot mukhtars of the village Anastasia Gerolemou and Adil Onat.
Speaking to Diyalog newspaper after the ceremony, Onat and Gerolemou gave messages of friendship.
Both vowed to continue working together for similar ceremonies in the future.