Front Page Headlines
‘I’m promising a solution, dialogue and an agreement’
Presidential candidate and Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman visited the United Media Group’s new desk. “My desire, of course, is to reach a federal solution to the Cyprus Problem but to also solve this country’s problems,” Erhürman said. Erhürman also gave a strong message on the decision to close the four crossing points. “I’m a member of the movement that worked for the opening of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point which took place under the hardest of conditions. The Greek Cypriot leadership’s one-sided decision is extremely wrong and will undo all the progress achieved. We need stronger diplomatic contacts with the United Nations (UN) and the international community. Only then would no one dare to take such steps,” he said.
- Two more charged for crossing protest – Two more protestors who took part in Saturday’s demonstration at the Ledra Street crossing were charged.
The conundrum over crossings continues
The Greek Cypriot side decided to extend the decision to close the crossing points. While Akıncı wrote a letter, the UN just continues to observe the situation. Talat harshly criticized the UN. The shopkeepers, on the other hand, are questioning what will happen to them.
- Grant scheme for SME’s to be announced soon
Heist at KIBTEK through tenders
The heist in KIBTEK (TC Electricity authority) documented with the Court of Auditors’ report. The Economy and Energy Ministry, which KIBTEK falls under the authority of, decided to look into the past tender dossiers as well. The Court of Auditors’ report reveals there is an annual loss of ₺200m at the electricity company. The ministry decided to investigate all the tenders for the past ten years.
- Human trafficking at the back of a van – A Turkish Cypriot was caught red-handed when trying to smuggle four foreigners to the south in the booth of a van.
- The four crossing points to remain closed until Monday – The Greek Cypriot side decided to extend its unilateral decision to close four crossing points.
TRNC haven for black money
The US Department of State’s report titled: “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report,” elaborates in detail money laundering and smuggling activities through the Green Line. The report also notes that even though the Turkish Cypriot authorities have implemented certain measures to curb the activities, the laws are not effectively implemented. It also notes the off-shore banking and casino sectors remain as areas of concern.
- Akıncı asks for the mistake to be corrected – President Mustafa Akıncı sends letters to EC president von Der Leyen and UN Secretary-General Guterres regarding the closure of the crossings.
- The crossing closure extended for two more days – The Greek Cypriot administration decided to extend its unilateral decision to close the crossing points until Monday.
- Anastasiades found support for his crossing policy – The Greek Cypriot National Council convened to discuss the coronavirus, migrant issue and the Maraş (Varosha) issue.
It can’t go on like this
Seasoned and experienced politicians refuse to accept the argument that businesses are ruined following the closure of some of the crossing points. However, they do agree that the TRNC economy is fragile and weak.
- ‘The decision is not political’ – The Greek Cypriot Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that the four crossing points will remain closed until Monday.
- ‘Corona’ fears – Greek Cypriot Energy Georgios Lakkotrypis and 400 other Greek Cypriots who recently returned from high-risk countries have been warned to remain at home for the next 14 days.
Erdoğan returns empty-handed
Putin and Assad got what they wanted out of the six-hour-long meeting held in Moscow. The joint declaration signed by the sides mentions the “Syrian Arab Republic”. This is the title under which Syria is represented at the UN. The joint declaration was read out in Turkish by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
- Akıncı tours Arasta: “Wrong steps were taken” – Akıncı said that measures were needed to be taken but not by closing the crossing points.
- To remain closed until Monday – Closure of crossing points extended. The situation will be reassessed on Monday and the period of the closure might be extended if the need arises.
- Illegal migrants from north to south – Following the 103 migrants who crossed over to the south on Tuesday, another group of 70 migrants crossed south through the same area the other night.
Main News
UNFICYP voices concern over closure of four checkpoints
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on Thursday voiced concern over the ongoing disruption caused to people on both sides by the decision to temporarily close four crossing points along the buffer zone.
“While the UN supports all effective measures to address any potential public health emergency, it is imperative for the two sides to coordinate closely in order to provide a comprehensive response,” it said in a written statement.
“In this respect, the role of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Health is critical and should be utilized to the fullest,” it added.
The opening of the crossings since 2003 has allowed Cypriots freedom of movement across the island, contributing to a return to normal conditions and facilitating contact and interaction for those who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity, the announcement said.
“It remains essential that the sides preserve the dialogue and coordination they have displayed in mutually agreeing to the opening of the crossings which have been an important confidence-building measure between both communities for the last 17 years,” it concluded.
Meanwhile, President Mustafa Akıncı on Thursday toured the Arasta pedestrian shopping area close to the Lokmacı (Ledra Street).
Meeting with local shopkeepers, Akıncı vowed to do everything in his capacity for the reopening of the crossing points.
He said he hoped the decision would be reversed on Monday but he did not seem optimistic.
“The closure of the crossing points on the Greek Cypriot side is not a decision related to the coronavirus, but is due to different reasons,” Akıncı said, adding that it was not supported by the United Nations (UN) or the European Union (EU).
“We’ve seen schools being shut in Italy but the carnival in Limassol was not cancelled. It’s disappointing and saddening to see the crossing points which were opened after so much effort being closed,” he added.
Akıncı also referred to the phone call with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on Wednesday about the issue of migrants, which he added was another excuse being made up by the Greek Cypriot side.
“The migrants arrive in the south in small boats and few in numbers. In no way is there a policy whereby Turkey is deliberately sending migrants to Cyprus. These people do not cross south through the crossings but through gaps in the 180km-long buffer zone. As I’ve said early it is out of the question for us to organise and send these people across the dividing line,” Akıncı added.
Akıncı told the shopkeepers he would be sending a letter to the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) about the closure of the four crossings and would “keep in touch” with the EU.
He would also continue to discuss with the Greek Cypriot side and continue to explain through diplomatic means and dialogue the “mistake of this decision”.
He reminded shopkeepers that he was also discussing the matter with UN Special Representative in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar (SRSG), with whom he met on Wednesday evening.
He pointed out that no such precautionary measures had been taken anywhere else in the world and that the bicommunal technical committee on health hadn’t taken any decision in support of closing the crossing points.
Akıncı argued that the different communities living on the island did not pose a threat to one another.
“To the contrary, we need to protect ourselves from the outside,” he added.
Akıncı warned the shopkeepers of taking necessary precautions against the virus and said that tourist arrivals could drop this year due to the virus.
“We all need to be patient and careful,” he concluded.
Akıncı’s spokesman Barış Burcu announced later on Thursday that Akıncı had sent letters to the head of the EU Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen and the UNSG Antonio Guterres to draw attention to the mistake of the decision taken by the Greek Cypriot side.
Burcu said the letters had been handed over to the Director of the EU Support Office Arttu Makipaa to be handed to the EU Commission and sent to the Good Office Mission Office in Nicosia to be delivered to the UNSG.
The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and presidential candidate Tufan Erhürman also gave a strong message on Thursday regarding the issue of the closed crossing points.
“I’m a member of the movement that worked for the opening of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing point which took place under the hardest of conditions. The Greek Cypriot leadership’s one-sided decision is extremely wrong and will undo all the progress achieved. We need stronger diplomatic contacts with the UN and the international community. Only then would no one dare to take such steps,” Erhürman said during a visit to United Media Group’s (Yenidüzen/Sim TV) news desk.
Meanwhile, former President Mehmet Ali Talat argued that calling on the United Nations (UN) to force Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades to open the crossings was a futile attempt.
In a social media post on Thursday, Talat argued that the UN could do no more than just express its concern.
“On the contrary, it is the EU that supports the opening of crossings, publishes regulations on the crossings and identifies the rules. We must altogether head to Brussels without further delay,” Talat concluded.
Mayor of Nicosia’s Turkish Municipality Mehmet Harmancı also joined the debate on the crossing points on Thursday.
“The closure of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street), which was opened as a result of a serious civil and political will and which contributed a lot to both sides of Nicosia, is unacceptable,” Harmancı said after meeting with SRSG Elizabeth Spehar on Thursday.
Harmancı argued that the decision to close the crossings was irrational and far from any truthful basis.
The Turkish Cypriot mayor also presented the SRSG with a letter detailing his dismay regarding the Greek Cypriot side’s unilateral decision.
He referred to the work of the bicommunal technical committee, noting that the decision to close the crossing points lacked scientific evidence as no cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed on either side of the divide.
Harmancı added that the concerns raised by the Greek Cypriot leadership over the influx of migrants were misplaced as it was a known fact that the migrants did not use the checkpoints to cross over to the south.
“While our efforts and hopes to open new crossing points in Nicosia continue, the unfounded unilateral decision to close the crossings only serves to harm the trust between the two communities,” he said.
In the meantime the issue will be put on the table on Friday at a meeting attended by MPs from parliament on Friday, the press bureau of the Turkish Cypriot parliament announced on Thursday.
The first meeting, which will be chaired by parliamentary speaker Teberrüken Uluçay, will be with MPs who attend meetings at the European Parliament (EP) meetings and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) as observers.
The meeting will be attended by National Unity Party (UBP) MP Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, UBP MP Özdemir Berova, CTP MPs Armağan Candan and Fikri Toros as well as Peoples’ Party (HP) MP Erek Çağatay.
KEY ACTORS
UNFICYP
>> Disruption caused to people on both sides by the decision to temporarily close four crossing points is concerning.
>> The two sides must coordinate closely in order to provide a comprehensive response.
>> Role of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Health is critical and should be utilized to the fullest.
>> The opening of the crossings since 2003 has allowed Cypriots freedom of movement across the island, contributing facilitating contact & interaction between TCs & GCs.
>> It remains essential that the sides preserve the dialogue & coordination they have displayed in mutually agreeing to the opening of the crossings.
Akıncı
>> All will be done for the reopening of the crossing points.
>> The closure of the crossing points on the GC side is not related to the coronavirus but is due to different reasons.
>> It’s disappointing & saddening to see the crossing points which were opened after so much effort being closed.
>> Migrant issue is another excuse being made up by GC side.
>> Migrants do not cross to the south through crossings but through gaps in the dividing line.
>> TC authorities are not sending migrants across the line.
>> We shall continue to discuss with the GC side & continue to explain through diplomatic means & dialogue the “mistake of this decision.
>> The different communities living on the island did not pose a threat to one another.
>> Shopkeepers need to take necessary precautions against the virus.
>> Tourist arrivals may be low this year. Everyone needs to be patient & careful.
Erhürman (CTP)
>>The GC side’s decision is extremely wrong & will undo all the progress achieved.
>> Stronger diplomatic contacts with the UN & int’l community needed. Only then would no one dare to take such steps.
Talat (CTP)
>> Attempts to force GC leader Anastasiades to open the crossings through the UN is a futile attempt.
>> UN can do nothing more than just express its concern.
>> It is the EU that supports the opening of crossings, publishes regulations on the crossings & identifies the rules. The issue must be taken to Brussels without further delay.
Harmancı (TDP)
>> Closure of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street), opened as a result of a serious civil & political will is unacceptable.
>> The decision is irrational & far from any truthful basis.
>> Concerns raised by the GC leadership over the influx of migrants are misplaced as migrants do not use the checkpoints to cross over to the south.
>> Efforts & hopes to open new crossing points in Nicosia will continue.
>> The closure of the crossings only serves to harm the trust between the two communities.
“Our support for a federal & comprehensive solution continues,” says Erhürman
Yenidüzen
Negotiations Process, Governance & Power Sharing, External Security, Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Leader of the CTP and presidential candidate Tufan Erhürman on Thursday reiterated his support for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem, one that will end the current uncertainty looming over the island’s future.
Erhürman speaking on an election special on Bayrak said that both he and his party continued to support a federal settlement in Cyprus.
He added that any new process will require good preparation to address the shortcomings of the last talks held in Crans Montana.
“We shouldn’t repeat the mistakes we made in Crans Montana,” Erhürman said, adding that it was important to be on the same page with Ankara when holding the next five-party conference.
“As we are heading to the five-party conference, we have to agree on parameters and convergences to date. We have to talk to Turkey in advance,” he noted.
“We need to know what Turkey will do on the issue of guarantees. We need to know Ankara’s position on the issue of security and guarantees if we are to leave that table with a solution,” the CTP leader added.
Erhürman, however, added that Turkish Cypriots could not be expected to sit around and wait if efforts to reach a settlement failed.
He argued that in the event this happened, Turkish Cypriots could focus on issues such as the implementation of the direct trade regulation but that an alternative solution was not possible under the current conjuncture.
Erhüman, commenting on the latest situation regarding the four crossing points, said that an EU member state could introduce a series of measures if it deemed it necessary for the public’s safety and health.
“However, in law, we have the cause or reason factor. If you are presenting the coronavirus threat as a reason but keep the Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing open while shutting the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing then your argument is flawed,” Erhürman said.
He also said that it was not enough for the UN to express concern over the developments.
“The crossings were opened through the consent of both sides. The UN needs to answer this question. Why was the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health established if the sides were to take unilateral decisions?” Erhürman noted.
He added that it was important to solve such irrational actions by preserving the language of peace on behalf of the will for peace and solution by informing the international community.
Erhürman expressed the view that the decision was a blow to efforts to build peace on the island.
Erhürman stressed the TRNC could undertake responsibility regarding the migrant crisis.
He reminded Anastasiades that his interlocutor was the Turkish Cypriot leader and not Turkey, criticizing him of not consulting with the authorities in the north.
“Turkish Cypriots will not accept Anastasiades’ attempts to bypass them to speak directly with Turkey because the Turkish Cypriot side is one of the two constituent communities on the island,” Erhürman stressed.
The CTP leader also drew attention to perpetuating uncertainty, arguing that this concern was shared by everyone regardless of their birthplace. He also linked it with the question of existence on the island fueled by the unsolved Cyprus problem.
“As long as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved, the other solvable issues also cannot be solved,” Erhürman said.
Asked about his team should he be elected as president, Erhürman said that he would be working with people outside of his party.
In his response to a question regarding relations with the UK following Brexit, Erhürman said it was important to build on existing relations but it would be wrong to reduce the issue to direct flights or direct trade.
“We could open a few small doors concerning trade. This is something that we could work on,” he added.
Erhürman, commenting on the issue of hydrocarbons, claimed that the island’s offshore resources would be a source of motivation for the solution of the Cyprus Problem.
“We need to examine this issue carefully. We need to discuss this issue as Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
KEY ACTORS
Erhürman (CTP)
>> CTP supports a federal settlement in Cyprus.
>> Solution will end the current uncertainty looming over the island’s future.
>> Any new process will require good preparation to address the shortcomings of the last talks held in Crans Montana.
>> Important to be on the same page & in agreement with Ankara on the parameters & convergences before heading to the next five-party conference.
>> Need to know Ankara’s position on the issue of security and guarantees if solution efforts are to be successful.
>> TCs could not be expected to sit around & wait if efforts to reach a settlement failed.
>> In such a case TCs should focus on issues such as the implementation of the direct trade regulation.
>> An alternative solution to a federation is not possible under the current conjuncture.
>> GC side’s excuse of coronavirus to close the crossings is flawed.
>> Not enough for the UN to express concern over the developments.
>> The crossings were opened through the consent of both sides.
>> Important to solve such irrational actions by preserving the language of peace.
>> The decision to close the crossings was a blow to efforts to build peace on the island.
>> The TRNC could undertake responsibility regarding the migrant crisis.
>> GC side’s interlocutor is the TC side, not Turkey.
>> TCs will not accept GC side’s attempts to bypass them because TC’s are one of the two communities on the island.
>> The concern of uncertainty is shared by everyone regardless of their birthplace.
>> The question of existence on the island fueled by the unsolved Cyprob.
>> As long as the Cyprob remains unsolved, the other solvable issues also cannot be solved.
>> Important to build on existing relations but wrong to reduce Brexit to direct flights or direct trade.
>> The island’s offshore resources would be a source of motivation for the solution of the Cyprob.
Lack of legal & institutional framework in north to combat money laundering
Havadis
Economy, Internal Security
OVERVIEW
“The area administered by Turkish Cypriots lacks the legal and institutional framework necessary to prevent and combat money laundering,” the US Department of State report titled: “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report,” stated, Havadis reports on Friday.
The report also notes that even though the Turkish Cypriot authorities have implemented certain measures to curb these activities, the laws were not been implemented effectively.
It also notes the off-shore banking and casino sectors remain as areas of concern due to international sanctions and the lack of recognition of the north.
“The banking sector is largely isolated from the international finance institutions…Banks operating in the area do not have correspondent banking relationships outside of Turkey,” the report adds.
The strategy report also noted that due to the shortage of law enforcement, the casino sector is poorly regulated and is vulnerable to money laundering.
It also highlighted that the off-shore banks, which are regulated by the Central Bank in the north, pose a money laundering risk as well.
The report also highlights other criminal activities in addition to money laundering.
“There have been reports of smuggling of people, illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and foodstuffs across the UN buffer zone.
Additionally, intellectual property rights violations are common; a legislative framework is lacking, and pirated materials, such as sunglasses, clothing, shoes, and DVDs/CDs are freely available for sale,” the report emphasised.
Human smuggling at the back of a van
Kıbrıs
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
A Turkish Cypriot with a long criminal record was caught red-handed on Thursday as he tried to smuggle four foreigners in the booth of his van to the south, through a military zone near Haspolat (Mia Milia), Kıbrıs reports.
Testifying before the Nicosia District Court, the police officer in charge of the investigation said the suspect had admitted his crime.
He said the accused had agreed to smuggle the four individuals, all Nigerian nations, to the south in exchange for €50 per person.
The officer also informed the court that one of the Nigerians had given a voluntary confession, revealing that he had contacted a Greek Cypriot individual before arriving in the north. The suspect added that they wanted to cross to the south to seek asylum.
The court ordered the four Nigerians to be remanded and released the Turkish Cypriot on bail pending trial.