TCC Press Review 29 July 2020

Front Page Headlines

Yenidüzen

‘Fear of local cases’

Two new cases detected, one in Gönyeli (Guenyeli) the other in Yedikonuk (Eptakomi). Both individuals travelled to Turkey recently. The growing number of COVID-19 cases since the ports opened up on July 1 has raised fears of local cases. An employee at the Gönyeli (Guenyeli) municipality tested positive seven days after returning from a trip to Istanbul. The health ministry said that the individual had been in contact with others but that he had been on leave during that period. Three new cases were announced yesterday (Tuesday). Health Minister Pilli said that all three had arrived in the country via air. He also said there were no local cases and that all had arrived from abroad.

Kıbrıs

Concerns are growing

Three new cases of coronavirus were detected in the north. There are now 24 Covid-19 patients receiving treatment. In addition to the positive cases, the people whom the coronavirus patients might have been in contact with are being placed in quarantine. The people are becoming more concerned by the day.

  • You are concerned with the elections, we about earning our livelihood – The contractor companies staged a protest with their construction machinery outside the prime ministry, causing havoc and blocking traffic. The contractor companies demanded solutions to their problems or asked the government to resign.
  • The market is deserted – The retailers express their grim situation about their sales only days before the Bayram holiday. The retailers say they would have made the best sales during the Bayram period in the past.

Havadis

Either solve the problems or resign

The contractor companies placed black wreaths outside the prime ministry, deputy prime ministry, finance ministry and transportation ministry. They parked their heavy machinery outside the prime ministry, causing havoc in traffic. The contractor companies demanded solutions to their problems or asked the government to resign.

  • Attempting to cool down the waters in the Mediterranean which they heated – Turkish Presidential Spokesman İbrahim Kalın said Ankara is ready to discuss all the bilateral issues including the Eastern Mediterranean with Greece. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said Athens is ready for dialogue with Turkey without any threats or pressure.
  • DIKO turned upside down – The three MPs, Georgios Prokopios, Angelos Votsis, and Marinos Mousiouttas, as well as two other senior officials, resigned from DIKO.
  • The latest situation: North 138 cases, four deaths; South 1063 cases, 27 deaths; Turkey 227,982 cases, 5,645 deaths.

Diyalog

June revenues ₺103m (€12,6m)

Despite the economic crisis, citizens are depositing their social security premiums. The Minister of Labour and Social Security Faiz Sucuoğlu said that the private sector had paid ₺93.5m (€11.4m) and the public sector paid ₺9m (€1.1m) in insurance premiums in January this year amounting to ₺102.5 (€12.5m). This figure rose to ₺116m (€14.2m) in February but dropped down to ₺47m (€5.7m) in March. Speaking to Diyalog, Sucuoğlu said that figures had returned to normal in April reaching ₺103m (€12.6m).

  • How is this Europe? – Two Syrians who were brought to the TRNC instead of Malta were caught in Akıncılar (Lourijina).
  • There will be a second-round – According to Gezici’s latest survey, the gap between Tatar and Akıncı has closed.

Avrupa

They watched the lynching behind the curtain

President Mustafa Akıncı’s Chief of Staff Cenk Gürçağ reminded how Akıncı had stood up for Afrika (Avrupa) during the oath-taking ceremony in parliament. He said Akıncı had refused to remain a bystander as protestors tried to storm the daily walking into the mob without any hesitation only returning after the security forces had taken the necessary measures. “Are you talking about protecting freedom of expression? Please ask what had happened on January 22, 2018, outside the Afrika (Avrupa) office to those who only watched the lynching behind the curtain,” said Gürçağ as he defended the recent court decision to block a video posted online insulting the president.

  • Akıncı withdrew his complaint when apologised – Cenk Hoca removed the video from social media and apologised from Mustafa Akıncı and his family. As a result, Akıncı withdrew his complaint.
  • Three more positive cases – Turkish Cypriot Health Minister Ali Pilli announced. There is total panic and chaos on COVID-19 in our community. There are new cases every day since the launch of the reopening process on July 1. There is not any clear information on contact tracing either. Three new cases were identified in 1974 tests carried out in the south.
  • The contractor companies staged a protest with their construction machinery – The contractor companies also placed black wreaths outside the prime ministry, deputy prime ministry, finance ministry and transportation ministry.

Main News

TC MFA calls UNFICYP resolution unfair

Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Energy, Regional/International Relations, Internal Security, CBMs

OVERVIEW

The Turkish Cypriot Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday the UN security council resolution to renew the UN Peacekeeping Force’s (UNFICYP) mandate was unfair as it allows the Greek Cypriot side to guide the agenda to divide the people.

 “The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), like in previous years, has refrained from making determined observations and from taking steps due to the evident political reasons thus becoming a part of the current deadlocks and the tension,” the Turkish Cypriot Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the UN Security Council unanimously renewed the UNFICYP mandate for another six months on Tuesday.

In its resolution, the Security Council expressed its full support for UNFICYP and decided to extend its mandate for a further period ending on 31 January 2021.

The Security Council expressed “deep concern at the further escalation and increased tensions in the eastern Mediterranean over hydrocarbons exploration,” and “reiterated its call for a reduction of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, and further calls upon the leaders of the two Cypriot communities and all involved parties to refrain from any actions and rhetoric that might damage chances of success.”

It also called for the establishment of an effective mechanism for direct military contacts between the sides and the relevant involved parties, encourages full engagement with the proposal on the establishment of such a mechanism presented by UNFICYP, and calls for its timely implementation.”

The Security Council “further calls for the reopening of all the crossing points and the return to the operating status that existed before February 29, 2020, as soon as practically achievable, and for any continuing restrictions on movement across the island to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to be coordinated, and not go beyond what is necessary to protect public health.

“The opening of the crossings since 2003 has been an important confidence-building measure between both communities and one which is essential for the settlement process,” it said.

The Turkish Cypriot foreign ministry in its immediate response on the resolution claimed that the reason for the growing tension on the island and the region is the maximalist approach of the Greek Cypriot side, which constantly excludes the Turkish Cypriots from the distribution of hydrocarbons.

The statement argued that if the Security Council is sincere in its call to reduce tension, it should have made calls for immediate steps to be taken.

It added if the Security Council is seeking to reduce this tension, it is necessary to call for cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean, to create interdependence between both sides of the island.

The resolution avoids coming to conclusions that could lead to correct and positive results for the island and the region, the ministry said.

It suggested the reasoning for avoiding these conclusions is political.

The resolution also failed to include emphasis given by the UN Secretary-General to cooperation on the economy, trade, tourism and policing.

“With this approach, the Security Council clears the way for the Greek Cypriot side, which is avoiding cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot side, to meet its intentions,” the statement added.

The Foreign Ministry also said the UNSC has created a contradiction by suggesting a military collaboration mechanism, which does not correlate with the island’s realities and needs.

“The UNSC in its resolution has avoided from mentioning the instalment and construction of 187 concrete pillboxes, carried out during the pandemic lockdown It has kept this development which has raised tensions along the buffer zone from the international community,” the statement stressed.

It said that failure to mention any of these developments will only serve to further encourage the Greek Cypriot side to continue with its provocative and hostile actions.

“Without doubt, the tension on the island and in the region will escalate to dangerous levels as a result of the Greek Cypriot side,” the ministry argued.

It reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s demand for the immediate removal of the concrete pillboxes, warning that the Turkish Cypriot side will be forced to take reciprocal steps unless this is done.

Another area the Turkish Cypriot foreign ministry criticized in the UNSC resolution was its failure to mention the restrictions implemented by Greek Cypriot authorities on individuals crossing from south to north.

It argued that this was a violation of the freedom of movement and the practices were solely aimed at hurting the Turkish Cypriot economy and tourism.

“Such practices will not only harm the relationship between the two communities but will also encourage the Greek Cypriot side to implement further steps in similar nature,” the statement read.

The Turkish Cypriot foreign ministry also objected to the paragraph in the UNSC resolution on the limitation of the UN Peacekeepers’ freedom of movement in the north.

“The said paragraph is far from reflecting the reality on the island. It is understood once more that the UNSC has been misled on this issue as our objections supported with evidence from the field, had been recorded,” the statement said.

The foreign ministry statement also recalled the basic provision of establishing a peacekeeping operation and highlighted the need to seek consent from all the relevant parties concerned.

“It is for incomprehensible reasons that the UN mission in Cyprus does not comply with the UNSC rule adopted as a mandatory clause,” the statement stressed.

It added that it is not acceptable that the repeated calls to seek the Turkish Cypriot side’s consent have been left unanswered.

“It will be inevitable for the Turkish Cypriot side to review its approach towards the UN, which can operate within the TRNC as a result of its goodwill and tolerance,” the statement said.

“The Turkish Cypriot side is an equal partner on the island and is ready to take all the steps for cooperation, diplomacy, and dialogue for stability and security on the island the region,” the statement said.

The statement added the Security Council’s role is to encourage the Greek Cypriot side in this direction.

KEY ACTORS
MFA (North)
>> The UNSC as in the past has avoided making determined observations and from taking steps, thus becoming a part of the current deadlock & tension.
>> The GC side’s maximalist approach is the source tension on the island and region.
>> If the UNSC is sincere in its call to reduce tension, it should have made calls for immediate steps to be taken.
>> The resolution avoids coming to conclusions that could lead to correct & positive results for the island & the region.
>> It suggested the reasoning for avoiding these conclusions is political.
>> The resolution fails to include emphasis given by the UNSG to cooperate on the economy, trade, tourism & policing.
>> The UNSC with this approach clears the way for the GC side, which is avoiding cooperation with the TC side, to meet its intentions.
>> UNSC has created a contradiction by suggesting a military collaboration mechanism, which does not correlate with the island’s realities & needs.
>> It refrains from calling on the civilian administrations from collaborating in other areas including the hydrocarbons.
>> The UNSC resolution avoids mentioning placement & construction of military instalments along the ceasefire line.
>> Failure of mentioning this will result in further encouraging GC side to pursue provocative /& hostile actions.
>> TC side will take reciprocal steps if these instalments are not removed.
>> UNSC resolution fails to mention GC side’s restrictive practices on individuals wishing to cross from south to north.
>> These moves are aimed at hurting the TC economy & tourism.
>> The practices will not only harm the relationship between the two communities but will also encourage them to implement further steps in similar nature.
>> UNSC has been misled on the issue of freedom of movement of the UN Peacekeepers in the north.
>> It is for incomprehensible reasons that the UN mission in Cyprus does not comply with the UNSC rule adopted as a mandatory clause to seek the consent of the TC side.
>> Not acceptable that the repeated calls to seek the TC side’s consent have been left unanswered.
>> It will be inevitable for the TC side to review its approach towards the UN, which can operate within the north as a result of its goodwill & tolerance.
>> The TC side is an equal partner on the island & is ready to take all the steps for cooperation, diplomacy, & dialogue for stability & security on the island the region.
>> The UNSC’s role is to encourage the GC side in this direction.


Turkey may pause operations in the East Med.

Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Energy, Regional/International Relations

OVERVIEW

Turkey could pause energy exploration operations in the Eastern Mediterranean for a while pending talks with Greece, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın said Tuesday, as a constructive step regarding Ankara’s relations with neighbouring Athens.

In an interview with the Turkish broadcaster CNN Türk, Kalın said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had requested that operations be put on hold as a constructive approach to negotiations.

Kalın, referring to the meetings held in Berlin recently, said Germany’s approach is to take steps to reduce tension in the region.

“Ankara’s approach is not any different,” Kalın argued.

Responding to a question whether or not there is the basis for dialogue with Greece, Kalın said there is on-going dialogue.

“In line with instructions from President Erdoğan, Ankara without any preconditions is ready to discuss every issue with Greece including the Aegean, continental shelf, the islands, airspace issues, hydrocarbon explorations and the Eastern Mediterranean,” Kalın noted.

Kalın also argued that the reactions given to Turkey’s Navtex (Navigational Telex) was too excessive and exaggerated as Turkey has been issuing such notices for the past decade.

“We are ready to discuss every bilateral issue with Greece,” Kalın concluded.


Tatar likely to win in the second round of the elections

Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Governance and Power Sharing

OVERVIEW

The Turkish polling company Gezici announced the results of its latest poll on Tuesday, carried out between July 17-19 with the participation of 4,630 people.

According to the results, Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, who is also the National Unity Party’s (UBP) candidate and incumbent President Mustafa Akıncı are in the lead.

Announcing the poll results, Murat Gezici said the presidential elections will be concluded in two rounds

“32.2 per cent of the poll participants said they will vote for Akıncı whereas 30,7 per cent will vote for Tatar, qualifying them both for a second round,” Gezici said.

According to the poll, Tufan Erhürman is ranked in the third place with 14.9 per cent of the votes followed by Kudret Özersay with 11.1 per cent of the votes.

Nonetheless, according to the survey, the majority of participants chose Tatar over Akıncı in the second round.

After distributing the undecided votes among the two candidates equally, 50.8 per cent of the poll participants said they will vote for Tatar in the second round whereas Akıncı will receive 49.2 per cent of the votes.

In response to a question the elected president’s approach to the Cyprus problem, the 70.9 per cent of the participants ticked the two-state option compared to 29.1 per cent opting for a federal settlement

Asked what they think of Turkey’s guarantor status over the island, 83.6 per cent of the participants said they wanted Turkey’s guarantor status to continue while 5.9 per cent said they wished to see the system scrapped. 5.5 per cent of the participants expressed the view that the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) should provide some form of guarantees.

In response to a question on what to expect from the president which the participants could choose more than one option, 78.7 per cent expressed the viewpoint that the president-elect should establish and maintain good relations with Turkey.

Tackling the north’s problems came in second place with 76 per cent. Understanding of economy was ranked third with 61.4 per cent and protecting or preserving Turkish Cypriot culture in fifth place with 33.4 per cent.

Nonetheless, Yenidüzen in its coverage of the poll argued there were discrepancies among the results of the open-ended questions and with the multiple-choice questions.

The daily pointed out that even though the results showed that 33.5 per cent of the participants will vote for Tatar in “open-ended” questions, the answers given to the “multiple-choice questions” demonstrate 32.2 per cent of the participants voting for Akıncı.

Moreover, even though Erhürman received 15.1 per cent of the votes in the “open-ended” questions, the CTP candidate received 14.9 per cent of the votes in the “multiple-choice questions.”


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