Front Page Headlines
4,408 people have either lost their jobs or have changed sectors
According to the Ministry of Labour, a total of 4,408 people were laid off in two months during the pandemic period. The majority of these were TRNC citizens. Another 1,300 were recorded to have changed sectors. 836 TRNC citizens have applied for temporary unemployment benefit.
Which one is the valid decree?
The uncertainty continues over the Famagusta – İskele (Trikomo) – Yenibğaziçi (Agios Sergios) decree, which Prime Minister Ersin Tatar had annulled. The Town Planning Department issued a circular yesterday (Thursday) stating that the procedures of the “existing decree” will be followed.
- “We are disturbed by the uncertainty” – Interior Minister Ayşegül Baybars said.
- “The National Unity Party (UBP) will not approve the development master plan if the People’s Party (HP) is not willing for amendments” – UBP General Secretary Ersan Saner said.
- 17 organisations to protest the Greek Cypriot side today (Friday) – Civil society organisations will be at the Metehan (Agios Dhomethios) crossing point at 5 pm to protest the Greek Cypriot side’s unlawful prohibitions at the crossing points.
The ministry failed
The poll, which was conducted as part of evaluations of primary school education during and after the pandemic by KTÖS (TC Teachers’ Union), revealed the public’s discontent over the Turkish Cypriot Education Ministry and public schools. According to the poll results, which were carried out with the participation of 500 individuals, the Turkish Cypriot Education Ministry failed to provide adequate education to students during the lockdown. Many found the broadcasts over Bayrak to be of poor quality and inadequate. 53.55 per cent of the participants found the Turkish Cypriot Education Ministry unsuccessful in the pandemic. 70.85 per cent of the participants said the quality of education at public schools was poor and inadequate.
- PCR tests are cheaper now not cost of living – The cost of PCR tests reduced to ₺200 (€25).
- Free PCR tests for duty – The Turkish Cypriot Health Ministry and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Association reached an agreement to carry out PCR tests for journalists, who have to cross to the south, free of charge.
- The latest situation: North 117 cases, four deaths; South 1031 cases, 27 deaths; Turkey 216,873 cases, 5,440 deaths.
Hang on Cyprus
It’s been reported that the disrupted pipeline carrying fresh water from Anamur to the island has not been fixed yet and that there is only 5m cubic metres of water left at the Geçitköy (Panagra) Dam. It is not known when the pipeline repairs will be completed and the water will flow. Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Dursun Oğuz who spoke to Diyalog said that the quantity of water at the dam had dropped to 5.7m cubic metres and claimed that this would be enough until September 10. Oğuz had stated earlier the repairs could be completed by August. Asked as to when the repairs were expected to be completed, Oğuz said that the pipes to replace the damaged ones had been manufactured and were waiting to be installed. He said that several water wells in Güzelyurt (Morphou) were now in use as a precautionary measure. He said that 12,000 tons of water were being pumped daily to meet growing demand.
- Europe, hear our voice – Economic organisations will be staging a protest at the Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point today (Friday) regarding the practices on crossings implemented by the Greek Cypriot administration.
Akıncı: “Futile effort”
Turkey’s negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side on Akinci. Akıncı: “Attempting to substitute the TRNC President’s authority or his societal and international standing with a person who is not directly authorised by his community is a futile effort.” Akıncı in his statement also noted that he has been informed about Turkey’s proposal to the Greek Cypriot side during their meetings with the European Union (EU) officials.
- PCR tests to cost ₺200 (€25) – Turkish Cypriot Health Ministry announced the cost of PCR tests has been reduced, with kits provided from Turkey.
- Six new cases – Increase in the cases in the south. Three of the six cases are among the Syrians who crossed to the south from the north. 1049 tests carried out in the north and no positive cases.
- The first complaint under the IT Law – Public Service Commission has lodged a police complaint regarding Kemal Değirmencioğlu’s post on social media. Değirmencioğlu is a board member of KTOEÖS (TC Secondary school teachers’ union).
Main News
TC leader’s legitimacy & representation not open to debate
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, EU Matters, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
The authority and democratic legitimacy of the elected Turkish Cypriot president were not up for discussion, Mustafa Akıncı said on Thursday, after suggestions that Ankara wanted him excluded from talks with the Greek Cypriots.
“The Turkish Cypriot president who is elected by the Turkish Cypriot people, whom the UN and other international players recognize and talk with, and who is regarded as the leader of the Turkish Cypriots for many years is not up for discussion,” Akıncı said in a written statement.
His statement followed earlier remarks by Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides that Ankara was pushing for talks between the two sides, however, not with Akıncı but with Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay
“The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the only interlocutor for the Greek Cypriot side and the United Nations (UN) and is regarded as the Turkish Cypriot leader,” Akıncı stressed, adding that the long-accepted parameters of the Cyprus problem include talks between the leaders of the two communities on all issues that concern them.
He also said the two sides had set up technical committees to handle various issues because contacts between ministries were not feasible under the current conditions.
“That is the reason the health ministers could not even meet over the pandemic crisis. It is impossible for the foreign ministers to meet on equal terms,” he said.
“Attempting to substitute or replace the communal and international role as well as the authority of the Turkish Cypriot president with a person who is not authorized by the people is a futile effort,” Akıncı concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> The authority and democratic legitimacy of the elected Turkish Cypriot president is not up for discussion.
>> The TC president is the only interlocutor for the GC side & the UN.
>> Any matter concerning the two communities can only be discussed between the two community leaders.
>> Long-accepted parameters of the Cyprus problem include talks between the leaders of the two communities on all issues that concern them.
>> Technical committees have been established to handle various issues because contacts between ministries are not feasible under the current conditions.
>> Attempting to substitute the TRNC President’s authority or his societal & international standing with an unauthorised person is a futile effort.
UNSG urges two sides to renew their political will & commitment for a solution
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Internal Security, CBMs, Energy, External Security, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres said that though he continues to hope that a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus is possible, the Covid-19 pandemic has added to an already complex situation on and around the island.
“I urge all relevant parties to renew dialogue and explore possibilities for regional cooperation, and I call for serious efforts to be taken to defuse tensions,” Guterres said in his latest report on his good office’s mission released on Wednesday as an official document.
Referring to his meeting in Berlin last November with the two leaders, he said he would continue his efforts to achieve terms of reference to serve as a consensus starting point for phased, meaningful and result-oriented negotiations at the earliest feasible opportunity.
“I committed to exploring with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Greek Cypriot leader and with the guarantor powers the possibility of convening an informal five-plus-United Nations meeting at an appropriate stage. I underscore the point that this time must be different,” he said.
Guterres said that rising tensions in and along the buffer zone as well as concerns over irregular migration both on the island and in the region have strained relations among the parties to the Cyprus issue.
Other sources of tension concern the possible opening of Maraş (Varosha), hydrocarbons exploration and, increasingly, maritime boundary delimitation.
On the issue of natural resources in and around Cyprus, he said they should be a strong incentive to reach a mutually acceptable settlement to the Cyprus problem without any further delay.
Guterres said that the three years which have passed since the intensive talks at Crans-Montana has made “it more challenging to resume negotiations”, but he would continue to monitor developments closely and urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation.
With regard to the question of Maraş (Varosha), he reiterated that the position of the UN remains unchanged and that it continues to be guided by the relevant Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and is available to assist in the implementation of any measures that are consistent with those resolutions.
“Redoubled efforts are required to re-engage Cypriots, bridge the divide between them and address societal scepticism and disengagement.”
Guterres also referred to poll results arguing that despite the general mood of disengagement and scepticism on both sides, the results indicated that the two communities continue to feel that increased cooperation between them on a series of issues could bring them closer.
In a recent poll carried out on behalf of his mission of good offices, he said, the majority of respondents from both communities stated that the resolution of the Cyprus issue was of the highest importance or of high importance to them.
But as the poll was carried out pre-pandemic, he said, “it remains to be seen whether continued separation and restrictions on movement through the crossings, as well as the broader fallout of the Covid-19 crisis, affect these views.”
The UNSG also called on influential actors in the political, economic, religious, artistic and other spheres to contribute to bringing the communities together.
“Acts that are aimed at provoking the other community or inciting hatred must be addressed and denounced by political and other leaders on both sides of the island,” he said.
He also welcomed the signs of revitalisation and increased engagement of the technical committees pointing out that 11 of the 12 committees met at least once during the reporting period, while meetings and concrete initiatives and events were carried out.
He noted, however, that a few of the technical committees “have not yet reached their full potential.”
He reiterated that despite the critical importance of confidence-building measures (CBMs) and other forms of cooperation between the communities, including the work of the technical committees, this cannot replace a viable and comprehensive negotiation process to reach a peaceful settlement in Cyprus.
“I echo the call by the Security Council to the sides and all involved participants to renew their political will and commitment to a settlement under United Nations auspices,” he said.
“I look forward to a renewed dialogue on the Cyprus issue and urge the parties to find a path towards a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible.”
On the coronavirus outlook, Guterres commended both sides for their efforts and their diligence, pointing out that the number of overall Covid-19 cases in Cyprus so far is among the lowest in Europe.
He welcomed the fact that restrictive measures are being lifted on the island in the light of the encouraging epidemiological situation but noted it was “essential that movement within the island be allowed along with incoming travel”.
“I encourage the leaders, with the support of the Technical Committee on Health and cooperation from relevant authorities on both sides, to work together and develop a comprehensive plan for the full reopening of all crossing points,” he said.
Guterres also said the Covid-19 outbreak has had a significant economic impact on the island and, while addressing the effects will be challenging, the crisis recovery period will also offer opportunities to close certain long-standing gaps and bring positive changes.
He called on the two leaders to jointly explore restructuring and innovating, diversifying and greening the economy, promoting better and more inclusive social and public services and introducing new forms of economic consumption, production and cooperation models, including through the technical committees and as CBMs.
Meanwhile, in a separate report, the UN secretary-general called for a six-month renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate, highlighting that actions around the buffer zone have caused levels of tension not seen in years.
In his report on the UN peacekeeping force released on Thursday, he also stressed that the absence of a solution to the Cyprus problem “is increasingly unsustainable”.
Since talks collapsed in 2017, the absence of negotiations “does not mean that the situation on the island remains unchanged, either at the political level or in the buffer zone”, he said.
“I note with concern that, since the closure of the Conference on Cyprus in Crans-Montana, tensions on the island have progressively increased over time, including during the reporting period, in the capital, Nicosia.”
Positions have hardened on both sides of the divide and it has “heightened the risk of political escalation, even from seemingly benign day-to-day issues and challenges”.
“During the period, unilateral actions in sensitive areas near or in the buffer zone caused levels of political tension not seen in Cyprus in years.”
KEY ACTORS
Guterres (UN)
>> Covid-19 pandemic has added to an already complex situation on & around the island.
>> All relevant parties should renew dialogue & explore possibilities for regional cooperation, and I call for serious efforts to be taken to defuse tensions.
>> Rising tensions in & along the buffer zone, concerns over irregular migration & flow of refugees both on the island and in the region, have strained relations among the parties to the Cyprus issue.
>> Other sources of tension concern the possible opening of Maraş (Varosha), hydrocarbons exploration.
>> On the issue of natural resources there should be a strong incentive to reach a mutually acceptable settlement to the Cyprob without any further delay.
>> Absence of talks since Crans-Montana has made it more challenging to resume negotiations.
>> All parties should exercise restraint and avoid escalation.
>> UN remains unchanged on Maraş (Varosha). It continues to be guided by the relevant UNSC resolutions & is available to assist in the implementation of any measures that are consistent with those resolutions.
>> Redoubled efforts are required to re-engage Cypriots, bridge the divide between them & address societal scepticism & disengagement.
>> Acts aimed at provoking the other community or inciting hatred must be addressed & denounced by political leadership on both sides.
>> CBMs & other forms of cooperation between the communities, including the work of the technical committees, cannot replace a viable & comprehensive solution to Cyprob.
>> The parties should find a path towards a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible.
>> The efforts of both sides & their diligence in the fight against Covid-19 are commendable.
>> Lifting of restrictive measures is welcoming but it is essential that movement within the island is allowed along with incoming travel.
>> Both leaders should to work together & develop a comprehensive plan for the full reopening of all crossing points.
>> Absence of a solution to the Cyprob is increasingly unsustainable.
CSOs to protest practices at crossing points
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security, CBMs
OVERVIEW
A group of Turkish Cypriot civil society organisations will be staging a protest at the Metehan (Agios Dhometios) crossing point on Friday against practices in place for individuals using the crossing points.
The 17 organisations that will be gathering at the crossing point at 5 pm on Friday will also be protesting the restrictions imposed by Greek Cypriot authorities for tourists and foreign nationals wishing to cross over to the north.
A declaration is expected to be announced at the end of the protest.
Among the organisations supporting the protest is the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry, the Turkish Cypriot Contractors’ Association, the Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers’ Association, the Businesspersons’ Society, the Young Businesspersons’ Society, the Turkish Cypriot Tourism and Travel Agencies’ Association, the Turkish Cypriot Restauranteurs’ Association, the Tourists Guides’ Association, the Rent-a-car Businesses’ Association, the Casino Operators’ Association, the Public Transport Operators’ Association, the Taxi Drivers’ Association, the Sustainable Tourism Initiative and the Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad.
TC members of bicommunal health committee evaluate the epidemiological report
Yenidüzen
Internal Security, CBMs
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot members of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health met on Thursday to evaluate the health ministry’s Covid-19 report ahead of a meeting with their Greek Cypriot counterparts next Tuesday.
The committee which operates under the mandate of Akıncı’s office reviewed the epidemiological report prepared by the health ministry and which was shared with the Greek Cypriot side.
The team of experts who prepared the report also attended the meeting.
According to a statement issued by Akıncı’s office, the contents of the report were discussed and views were exchanged.
The statement added that the Turkish Cypriot members will be prepared to answer any questions their Greek Cypriot counterparts may have at Tuesday’s meeting.
TC man arrested while attempting to smuggle four people across the divide
Yenidüzen
Internal Security, Migration & Citizenship
OVERVIEW
A 51-year old Turkish Cypriot man was arrested by police in Akıncılar (Louroujina) on Thursday night while attempting to smuggle four people across the divide into South Cyprus.
According to the police report, the man had agreed to smuggle the men in exchange for money.
He was caught in a police raid following a tip-off.
All five were arrested and are in prison pending trial while police complete its investigation.