Front Page Headlines
“On the same day”… or more like eventually
Parliamentary operetta over publication of Giorkadji list. The ball now is in the President’s court, since he is called to sign or return the decision that had stipulated publication on the same day. Bank officials say that they sent the data that had been requested, that is of payments delayed for more than 90 days (loans, guarantees and cards). President of the House could not disclose or leak anything from confidential list… when he had commented on its content himself!
- EU – Turkey: Special summit in September over problematic relationship
They tossed the list to the President
They voted for it to be published immediately, but sent it to Nicos Anastasiades to take responsibility. Syllouris and AKEL walked out, only Irini stayed.
- She continues her struggle for 46 years: Mrs Androulla’s house a “museum of the missing”
- Cyprus – Greece to European Council: Appeasement policies failed – Nicos Anastasiades travels to Paris next week after an invitation by Emmanuel Macron, while German FM Heiko Maas goes to Athens on Tuesday
- Nouris indirectly points to NGOs for money laundering: He points out Moneyval evaluations and possible repercussions to House of Representatives – Out of 7,000 associations/ clubs/ foundations only 2,000 submitted information
- Unseen fighter: EOKA’s bold Elisabeth
They voted for a list… of multiple interests
- “We are obligated to put an end to the disaster” (Coup anniversary)
- Special summit on Turkey in September
MPs vote to publish list
Decision to out PEPs with bad loans will be sent to president.
- Bumping elbows in Brussels: ‘Appeasing Turkey has been tried and has failed’ president tells EU
They took out their grudge!
Havoc in House of Representatives over “Giorkadji list”. Irini did not follow AKEL’s line. For five hours MPs used all adjectives to discredit the list and under the pressure of public opinion were forced to vote for its immediate publication. AKEL, Syllouris and MPs whose names are on the list of non-performing loans stepped out during the vote. Parties: Threw ball in President’s court: Over whether to publicise “Giorkadji list” or not. Names of MPs, ministers and others that are on the “Giorkadji list”.
- Approach of appeasement towards Turkey has failed, the President says: Turkey on the EU’s dock in September – Let’s move on to sanctions, Anastasiades and Mitsotakis suggested in the European Council
- Justice: Another Syrian suspect of terrorism
Main News
Greece and Cyprus ask EU for action on Turkey during MFF summit
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
External Security, Energy, Regional/ International Relations, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
President Anastasiades, as well as Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, brought up Turkey’s behaviour in the Eastern Mediterranean during the opening of Friday’s first day of the European Council, the dailies report.
Both leaders requested that the EU examine the possibility of sanctions against Turkey. The subject wasn’t discussed at depth, since the summit was dedicated to the negotiations regarding the EU’s next Multi-annual Financial Framework and the Recovery Fund. However, leaders agreed to holding an extraordinary summit on the issue of Turkey in September.
Government spokesperson Kyriakos Koushios announced that French President Emmanuel Macron invited President Anastasiades to visit Paris next week, in order to discuss issues that are high on the EU’s agenda, including Turkey’s actions. According to news reports, Anastasiades was initially scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Macron in the margins of the summit.
In his speech during the Council’s plenary, Anastasiades said that the policy of appeasement regarding Turkey has failed, and called on the EU to move from solidarity in words to actions. He added that while challenges continue, Cyprus cannot concede to initiatives that come in opposition to previous decisions by the European Council.
According to the government spokesperson, Anastasiades asked an extension of sanctions recently taken against persons involved in illegal drillings and asked the EU to prepare a list of possible measures. He also informed the Council of the latest developments in the region and the issuance of a new NAVTEX by Turkey. In a tweet, Anastasiades pointed out that when Turkey violates vital interests of the EU and its member states, Europe should respond collectively and specifically.
In his own speech, Mitsotakis said that Turkey cannot violate the sovereign rights of members states and meet no strong reaction from the EU. He also brought up the issue of the Hagia Sophia, underlining that President Erdogan’s actions are indicative of how Turkey sees international law and agreements.
Phileleftheros reports that President Anastasiades will meet with the National Council on Tuesday and inform the leaders of the political parties of the latest developments. The newspaper also recalls that UNSG representative Elizabeth Spehar will brief the Security Council over a teleconference ahead of the vote for the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate.
Interior Minister points indiscriminately at NGOs over money laundering
Alithia, Phileleftheros
Migration & Citizenship, Internal Security, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
Phileleftheros reports that during a meeting of the parliament’s committee on interior affairs, Minister of the Interior Nicos Nouris informed the MPs that certain NGOs are suspected of laundering money and funding terrorism.
Nouris was arguing for the House of Representatives to implement the law which calls for the withdrawal of permits for organisations that do not properly register with the government. Nouris submitted a document citing Moneyval’s report according to which there are strong indications that some NGOs are used to launder money and fund terrorism.
The minister pointed out that out of 7,000 unions, clubs and foundations, only about 2,000 have submitted all required data to the authorities. He said that Moneyval will repeat its monitoring on 2021.
Meanwhile, Alithia reports on the ongoing trial of a Syrian person who is suspected for terrorism. According to the newspaper, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the suspect to end his incarceration arguing that he has applied as an asylum seeker.
Parliament resolution asks President to pursue opening Kokkina and Pyroi
Haravgi
CBMs, Human Rights, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The House of Representatives approved a resolution on Friday requesting that President Anastasiades work towards opening new passageways at the area of Kokkina and Pyroi, Haravgi reports.
The resolution, which was approved by 39 votes for, 2 against and 2 abstentions, calls on the President to once again propose to the T/C leader. The text of the resolution contains references to the facts that inhabitants of the Tillyria and Pyrgos Chrysochous area are cut off from each other due to the existence of the Kokkina enclave of the Turkish army, as well as to the ongoing isolation of the Athienou community due to the shape of the buffer zone in the Pyroi area.
The newspaper recalls that the residents of Tillyria, as well as residents of the Athienou, Louroudjina and Lymbia area have protested several times asking for the opening of the passages in question.