Front Page Headlines
Uncertainty in higher education
A large number of foreign students returned to their countries but interest in universities amongst local students is high. The possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 is causing uncertainty in the higher education sector. Many of the foreign students studying in TRNC universities returned home during the pandemic. There are concerns whether most of them will return. All focus is now on online education and local students. According to the universities, there will be a sizeable increase in the number of Turkish Cypriot students compared to previous years.
- Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman: “The urgent need for a solution is being emphasized by Guterres in his report.”
Violence reaches frightening levels
Physical violence increased by 40 per cent and psychological violence by 60 per cent according to the poll which was conducted by the Nicosia Turkish Municipality’s (LTB) as part of a project of 600 participants titled “Side-by-side against violence.” The physical violence category also includes strangulation and injury with a weapon or a sharp object. According to the research done, one in four women suffers from sexual abuse as well. In other words, 25 per cent of women suffer sexual violence. Ayşe Kişmir, the LTB’s project coordinator, pointed out that psychological violence is more widespread within the community. Kişmir noted that gender inequality in the community is a triggering factor for violence against women.
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Sales have hit rock bottom
Imports from Turkey which reached $389m in the first five months of 2019 has remained at $141m during the same period this year. The COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the world has also hit the TRNC economy bad. Figures obtained from the Department of Commerce reveals the true picture. The economy hit rock bottom once tourism stopped. A $403m drop was recorded compared to the same period last year. Exports to Turkey also dropped by $11m. Different circles within the economy argue that the decrease in imports is due to the halt in tourism and the fact that thousands of people left the country.
- “There are strong indicators” – According to the Greek Cypriot Interior Minister Civil Society Organizations (CSO) are being used for money laundering as well as financing terrorist activities.
PCR ordeal at the hospital
Long queues at the Nicosia state hospital at early hours of the morning to get the PCR tests done. Mine Balman, who witnessed the situation, expressed her outrage on social media. She complained no one was respecting the social distancing rule and there were disinfectant gels provided to people either. There are two staff members for registration and one nurse to take samples for tests. The health ministry did not implement any measures to prevent long queues from forming or to protect the public. The workers who have to go to the south are being punished again for having to renew their PCR tests before July 21.
- One new case in the north – There are now ten active cases in the north. Four new cases detected in the south on Saturday.
- Media organisations react to the IT law – Turkish Cypriot Journalists Association (KTGB) and Turkish Cypriot media workers’ union (BASIN-SEN) highlight they will continue to fight against every attempt to curb freedom of expression.
Main News
CTP leader welcomes UNSG’s good offices mission report
Yenidüzen
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman on Saturday welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s latest Good Offices Mission report.
Erhürman, in his evaluation of the report, said it contained encouraging elements regarding a solution in Cyprus.
He added that the need for a bizonal, bicommunal federal settlement within the framework of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and parameters had become clear once again.
The CTP leader drew attention to the mention in the report of the urgency of a settlement in the face of increasing tensions in the region over hydrocarbons.
“This is what we have been saying for years,” said Erhürman. Adding that postponing a settlement on the island only served to further destabilize the region,
He said that fact that the UNSG was still hopeful for a comprehensive settlement and expressed his readiness to convene an informal five-plus-United Nations meeting was important.
Erhürman expressed disappointment over the report’s mention of the inadequate level of cooperation carried out during the pandemic between the two sides.
“Whereas, this process as we repeatedly mentioned should have been used to enhance cooperation, confidence-building and developing dialogue. Unfortunately, this opportunity was squandered. But life goes on. As the UNSG mentioned in his report, it was “essential that movement within the island be allowed along with incoming travel,” he said.
The CTP leader added his party was ready to make all necessary contributions in achieving this.
Erhürman said that both sides need to take all recommendations made in the report seriously.
He also underlined the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two leaders on the island for free movement across the whole island. “The UNSG has continued to support the idea of cooperation between the two sides without the concern of recognition of the Turkish Cypriot side. Many of the elements stressed in the Secretary-General’s report reminds all stakeholders the necessity and urgency of a united federal Cyprus,” he said.
KEY ACTORS
Erhürman (CTP)
>> Reports contains encouraging elements for the solution of the Cyprob.
>> CTP has been drawing attention to the urgency of a solution in face of increasing tensions for years.
>> Postponing a settlement only serves to further destabilize the region.
>> Important that UNSG is still hopeful for a settlement & ready to convene an informal five-plus-UN meeting.
>> Mention of inadequate cooperation during pandemic lockdown disappointing.
>> Pandemic period should have been used to develop dialogue & cooperation but was squandered.
>> It is essential that movement within the island be allowed with incoming travel.
>> CTP ready to contribute to such a process.
>> Leaders need to carry out dialogue & cooperation for free movement across the island.