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All eyes on these exams
The university entrance exams in Turkey are being held on June 27-28. Around 1000 students from Cyprus will take part in the exam. The exams have been postponed for a second time and the minimum score required to pass has been lowered. The length of the exam has also been extended. As in previous years, the exam in Cyprus will be held simultaneously with Turkey.
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We were frightened
Thunderstorms and the heavy rains on Tuesday caused flooding in many parts of Nicosia. A fire broke out in Yedidalga (Potamas tou kambou) due to a lightning strike and a fishing boat capsized in Lapta (Lapithos) due to the storm. Many roads in Nicosia were closed due to floods. The Industrial area in the northern part of Nicosia was hit by floods as usual.
- Accident compensations sacrificed to the virus – The cabinet in light of its efforts to create more funds opened the way to borrowing money from the “Obligatory Insurance Guarantee Fund.” The cabinet issued a statutory decree (KHK) on the issue to overcome its financial difficulties. The fund is made up of three per cent cuts from the premiums of obligatory insurances like ‘third-party car insurance’ and the money is used to compensate the victim in the case of an accident when the other side cannot be identified. Güven Bengihan, head of KTAMS (Turkish Cypriot Public Servants’ Union) said the cabinet wants to transfer ₺30m (€4m) from the fund’s total of ₺35m (€4.7m). “This means emptying the fund,” Bengihan stressed.
- The remaining sectors will be opened in the second week of May – Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy announced.
No one hears our voice
Mehmet Harmancı, Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality (LTB) said the municipality could not collaborate with the cabinet during the coronavirus crisis. Speaking during a Havadis web TV programme, Harmancı said it was right to reopen the sectors as no new cases had been reported for 13 days. “However, collaboration mechanisms do not work. We learn about the cabinet decisions from the media,” Harmancı stressed. “We also were in favour of gradual reopening but no one heard us. We could not make our voice heard,” he complained.
- Parliamentary approval for the statutory decree – The parliament during its assembly on Tuesday adopted the statutory decree (KHK) on partial and night-time curfew by a unanimous vote.
- The latest situation: North 108 cases, four deaths; South 878 cases, 15 deaths; Turkey 129,491 cases, 3,520 deaths.
It is unacceptable
The blocking of Diyalog TV’s broadcasts was discussed during yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) session of parliament. The leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Arıklı, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit and TDP MP Hüseyin Angolemli demanded that the decision be reversed. Angolemli, reading out a section from the constitution which clearly states that the freedom of access to information cannot be prevented. Arıklı said that RTÜK (Turkey’s Supreme Television and Radio Broadcasting Council) had fined 12 channels more than 50 times in the last year but did not remove or block the broadcast of anyone of them.
- I’m concerned’ – OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Media Freedom Representative Harlem Désir said that the decision taken against Diyalog TV was affecting the free flow of information negatively.
- ‘Widespread reaction’ – The cutting of Diyalog TV’s satellite broadcasts made its way into the Greek Cypriot press.
- Only one patient remaining – 1003 people were tested in North Cyprus, no new cases.
- Another loss of life – Four new cases were reported in South Cyprus bringing the total figure to 878.
- Death toll reaches 3,520 – The total number of coronavirus cases in Turkey reached 129,491 with 1832 new cases.
Tatar pressed the button
Will there be a FETÖ (Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organisation) investigation on Besim Tibuk following the closure of Diyalog TV? According to some news sources, Prime Minister Ersin Tatar has asked the Turkish Cypriot Security Forces (GKK) to launch an investigation on Besim Tibuk following his words praising Fethullah Gülen. Tatar did not deny the rumours. The investigation was not officially confirmed either. Kıbrıs Postası news site reported Tatar had a meeting with the Force Commander of the GKK.
- No positive cases in the north – Four new cases and one more death in the south. 1003 tests were administered in the north on Tuesday.
- Tourists will be asked PCR test results – Preparations underway for tourism. Ersin Tatar said the tourists arriving in the north will be asked to prove they are coronavirus negative with a PCR test result.
- Such torrential rain is rare – Torrential rain yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon disrupted life.
- Letter to Anastasiades “Allow controlled crossings” – Turkish Cypriots working in South Cyprus sent a letter to Nicos Anastasiades.
- When will the crossings open? – The Greek Cypriot Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou said that there was nothing he could do for Turkish Cypriots studying in the south. He said the crossing points would be opened simultaneously with the airports.
Main News
Tatar says north’s success against Covid-19 should be noted
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Prime Minister Ersin Tatar on Tuesday praised the government’s efforts against the spread of the coronavirus, claiming that the Turkish Cypriot community had been successful in preventing the spread of the virus which had gripped the world.
He said the success was owed to the swift and timely measures taken by the cabinet as well as the unity and solidarity shown by the public.
Addressing parliament on Tuesday, Tatar said that the Turkish Cypriot people had passed through an important test.
“The world should not and cannot ignore this success,” he said, expressing the view that the World Health Organisation (WHO) should assess the figures in the north as well.
Tatar pointed out that the next step was to gradually speed up the process towards normalization with new arrangements to be made in the economy.
“I have full confidence in our experts and the people,” Tatar said, adding that the important thing was to get various sectors running again.
He explained that all most sectors were already planning for the coming months.
“We shall overcome any difficulties we experience with the support of Turkey,” Tatar added.
Tatar, however, added that it would be a difficult road to recovery as it was difficult to see ahead.
He pointed out that steps had started to be taken of a tentative restart of the tourism sector.
“There are 12 months in a year. We don’t need to limit or squeeze tourism in a few months. We will only keep closed for a few months,” Tatar said, adding that the priority will be the domestic market.
He also said it was too early to say when and how tourists could be arriving in the country.
“Perhaps we could request tourists to present a PCR test certificate along with their passports,” he said.
Responding to criticisms on the cabinet’s handling of the crisis, Tatar said that it was necessary to keep in mind the conditions under which the decisions had been adopted.
“I have full confidence in the future. We need to avoid contact, practice and maintain social distancing. We also need to avoid complacency, continue to wear masks in public and adhere to hygiene and health measures. Everything will eventually return to normal once the wheels of the economy start turning,” he stressed.
Also on Tuesday, the Turkish Cypriot Minister of Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu said that the decision as to whether or not open schools will depend on the assessment of the scientific board.
He said that the ministry had done its best during the time of crisis, with its limited resources, to ensure that students in public schools continued to their education.
The opposition meanwhile continued to criticize the government’s handling of the crisis.
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Sıla Usar drew attention to the discrepancies between the latest predictions made by President Akıncı’s economic advisory board and the cabinet concerning the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Usar accused the government of hiding the true extent of the recession the country was facing.
“The Presidential Economic Advisory Board, in a worst-case scenario predicts that the economy could shrink by up to 40 per cent but the government is talking about a six per cent shrinkage? How is this possible,” she asked?
Usar argued that people were refraining from spending money due to the crisis which in turn will eventually lead to unemployment due to a drop in business.
She slammed the cabinet’s solution to the economic crisis.
“Instead of pumping money into the economy the government is telling people to borrow money to address their financial difficulties,” Usar said.
“How does the government come up with six per cent when most countries are expecting their economies to shrink by at least 12 per cent?”
Usar demanded that the government provides answers to how they will be addressing the recession the country had entered.
Meanwhile, the north’s streak of zero cases continued on Tuesday with no new cases reported.
It has been 17 days since the last positive case of coronavirus was reported in the north.
Turkish Cypriot Health Minister Ali Pilli, addressing MPs during Tuesday’s session of parliament said that a total of 1003 tests have been carried out in the last 24 hours.
He added that PCR tests were being carried out on ten individuals whose rapid tests had come back positive.
There is currently only one remaining Covid-19 patient receiving treatment in hospital.
Pilli, responding to questions, said that his earlier remarks that the school year was over and that it was out of the question to reopen schools this semester was his view.
“The decision, of course, will be made by the Scientific Council, the Health Ministry and the cabinet,” he said.
Pilli also reassured everyone that all decisions taken were part of a well-planned and structured strategy.
“The next two weeks are very critical. We are prepared to act if there are any positive cases. If there is a success to speak about it is the success of everyone. We can finish this virus if we act collectively,” he said.
Pill said that the health ministry had the authority to issue fines but that it was up to the people to follow the rules.
He reminded that it was important to adhere to health and hygiene measures.
Pilli, also said that necessary measures will be taken for Turkish Cypriots working in the south if and when the crossings open for them.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Minister of Public Works and Communication Tolga Atakan on Tuesday quashed rumours that the cabinet was planning to repatriate 2,500 Turkish Cypriots stranded in the UK and Turkey
Speaking during Tuesday’s session of parliament, Atakan said the rumours were not true and the cabinet’s travel restrictions valid until May 15 remained in force.
He said that the cabinet had currently no plans to repatriate Turkish Cypriots stranded abroad, nor were there any flights arranged for their repatriation.
Atakan added that travel restrictions will only be lifted following recommendations and approval provided by experts and the health ministry.
The Public Works Minister admitted that the swift and strict travel restrictions imposed by the cabinet had created some problems for citizens stranded abroad. “We are following developments closely,” he said.
A second economic relief package in the agenda
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security, Economy, Property
OVERVIEW
“A second economic relief package covering the period from June onwards will be announced in the coming days,” Turkish Cypriot Labour Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu said on Monday.
Sucuoğlu, speaking on Genç TV, explained that the cabinet will be evaluating five separate proposals for the three months after June.
He said the ₺1500 (€200) salary support payments will also continue. Sucuoğlu recalled the first economic relief package covered the period from March 15 to the end of May.
“We will see whether or not Turkey will release the required funds for the north. The second alternative is internal borrowing as well. In any case, we are making plans as if we will not be receiving any money from Turkey,” Sucuoğlu said.
He pointed out that the nature of the second economic package will be different from the first package which had been intended for businesses closed during the lockdown.
Sucuoğlu said the new package will be for operating businesses.
“70 per cent of the sectors were closed during the first package but they are now open and more will open in time. The labour ministry has designed a package to meet their needs despite the limited resources,” Sucuoğlu concluded.
Meanwhile, the head of the Turkish Cypriot Building Contractors’ Union Cafer Gürcafer highlighted the importance of implementing structural reforms in the period ahead.
Gürcafer told HaberKıbrıs web TV that many of the laws in specifically those for the construction sector were outdated.
He also argued that the economic crisis in the north could only be overcome with a stronger construction sector.
“The sector supports 76 other sectors. Therefore, it should be the cabinet’s priority to assist the construction sector to resume their work,” Gürcafer stressed.
He said the sector needed an injection of cash to complete unfinished projects so as that it could get back on its feet.
In the meantime, the local administrations are preparing for the second phase of the process to reopen economic sectors, informing the businesses within their boundaries on regulations and guidelines they need to adhere to.
In this regard, the Dipkarpaz (Risokarpaso), Yenierenköy (Yialousa) and Famagusta municipalities have informed the restaurants, cafes and other fast-food joints to apply to their respective local administrations until Friday to inform them as to when they will start take-away services.
Those establishments, who fail to comply, will not be able to start operations on 11 May as stated by the cabinet.
Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Economy Minister Hasan Taçoy announced on Tuesday that the government was planning to reopen more sectors next week.
Speaking to HaberKıbrıs, Taçoy said the decision will be announced in the next few days but refrained from giving out any more details
OSCE concerned about RTÜK’s decision
Havadis, Diyalog
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
“I am extremely concerned about RTÜK’s (Turkish Television and Radio Supreme Broadcasting Council) decision to cut Diyalog TV ‘s satellite broadcast and remove the channel from Türksat’s platform. Such an action prevents the free flow of information and limits access to different viewpoints,” OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Media Freedom Representative Harlem Désir said on Monday.
He added such decisions will eventually subdue journalists and the media companies to exercise auto censorship.
The Turkish Cypriot Journalists Association (KTGB) brought RTÜK’s decision to the attention of the Freedom of Media committee of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has 57 member states including Turkey.
As a result of KTGB’s initiative, the RTÜK decision on Diyalog TV has been carried to the international arena.
In a related development, Kıbrıs Postası reported on Tuesday that the Tatar had instructed police to launch an investigation into remarks made by businessman Besim Tibuk and his relations to the Fetullah Gülen’s organisation, which is amongst the list of terrorist organisations declared in the north.
RTUK cut Diyalog TV’s satellite broadcasts last Thursday on the grounds that Tibuk on a programme made insulting remarks about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and harmed Turkey’s independence and territorial integrity by praising Gülen’s organisation.
The issue was also discussed during Tuesday’s session of parliament. The leader of the Rebirth Party (YDP) Erhan Arıklı, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit and TDP MP Hüseyin Angolemli demanded that the decision be reversed.
Angolemli, reading out a section from the constitution which clearly states that the freedom of access to information cannot be prevented. Arıklı pointed out that RTÜK (had fined 12 channels more than 50 times in the last year but did not remove or block the broadcast of anyone of them.
Human traffickers caught red handed
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Three individuals were caught red-handed on Tuesday while trying to cross south through the village of Akıncılar (Louroujina), the dailies report on Wednesday.
Speaking during the court hearing, police officer in charge of the investigation said each of the two of the suspects had paid the third suspect €150 per person to smuggle them across the dividing line into the south.
The police officer also informed the court the investigation into the case has been concluded.
The Nicosia District Court has ordered the suspects to remain in prison for no longer than two months pending their trial.