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Success rate low
Remote or online education provided by schools following the Covid-19 pandemic has neither satisfied the teachers nor the parents. Not only has the practice deepened the inequality among students but the time children end up spending in front of screens is also worrying. Teachers argue that online education is not as effective as in-class education and add: “The level of success for university, secondary or high school students may be better but the success rate for primary schools students and preschoolers is not. It’s just not enough but then again there is nothing else we can do.”
- You can’t just be offended in international relations – Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman summarized his election manifesto in six simple steps.
Drug abuse continues to be a big problem
The number of cases at the criminal court continues to grow every passing year. Murder, attempted murder, stabbing, assault, fraud, theft and sex crimes are growing at an alarming rate. The rise in the number of cases involving illegal drugs also reveals how much drug use has spread within the country.
Independent media
An important protocol has been signed between Birinci Media Group and Havadis Media. As a result, there will be increased cooperation and solidarity between the two media institutions. A protocol was signed between the two media institutions to work together and combine forces. The protocol will allow the two media groups to work together and to protect the freedom of media.
She is in critical condition
Mother of two is in critical condition after swallowing seven grams of cocaine after the car she was travelling in was pulled over by the police for a DUI check. She later passed out and was taken to the hospital.
- Bars shut down as well – Health Ministry has decided to extend the quarantine requirement for those arriving from abroad until October 1.
We’ve never seen such ‘contact’
Bars have been shut but night clubs have been left open. The additional measures adopted by the Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases include shutting down of all bars until October 1. However, interestingly night clubs have been left open. Serdar Denktaş who reacted to the decision said that this was how much the government cared about the youth and artists who make a living by performing music at bars.
Main News
Debate on basis of talks rages on
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Attacks on President Mustafa Akıncı continued on the weekend following his response to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu’s remarks expressing Ankara’s opposition to negotiating a federal settlement.
“Federation is a structure based on two equal constitute states; the unitary option is out of the question and the confederal model requires the recognition of the TRNC,” Akıncı said on Saturday as he defended his views in support of a federal settlement in Cyprus.
In an effort to explain the reasons behind his position, Akıncı highlighted that various circles were trying to create a false and misleading perception that other options were possible.
Referring to earlier statements made by Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades’ aimed at creating confusion, Akıncı argued that these were tactical moves by the Greek Cypriot leader following the failure in Crans Montana.
He also recalled Anastasiades had met with Çavuşoğlu separately as well.
“The public knows very well Anastasiades had raised various options ranging from a loose-federation to a decentralized federation but neither the Greek Cypriot leadership nor the European Union (EU) has given the smallest impression that they would be ready to recognize two separate sovereign states in Cyprus,” Akıncı said.
He added that it was also not possible to talk about a confederal solution without the political recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
He also asked what he was expected to negotiate if a confederal option was not on the table.
Akıncı stressed the focus must be on the Turkish Cypriots’ partnership rights, which had been usurped by the Greek Cypriot side since 1963.
“The only way to put an end to the on-going violation of our rights is to respect the agreement achieved during the Berlin trilateral on November 25, 2019, and to work towards establishing a federal structure on the basis of two equal constituent states for the Turkish Cypriots to live in freedom, equality and security,” Akıncı stressed.
He added that the federal structure will be based on two politically equal constituent states, which safeguards the right for the constituent states to sign international treaties on various issues.
“The Turkish Cypriot side will seriously evaluate the Greek Cypriot side’s proposal of increasing the powers given to the constituent states,” Akıncı said.
He underlined that Cyprus as a whole will become an ally to Turkey in the region following the solution.
Noting that the solution also lies in the best interest of Turkey, Akıncı stressed chasing after unrealistic goals will only hinder the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.
“If we were to give up on the federation model, which is originally a Turkish proposal, it will only serve for the continuation of Greek Cypriot side usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and while the Greek Cypriot side continues to benefit from being a recognised state, the Turkish Cypriots will continue to suffer under embargoes and remain excluded from international law,” Akıncı stressed.
He added this is not fair.
“The Turkish Cypriot community will not accept that and will continue to struggle to find a solution on the island,” Akıncı concluded.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> Federation is a structure based on two equal constitute states; the unitary option is out of the question & the confederal model requires the recognition of the north.
>> Various circles are trying to create a false & misleading perception that other options are possible.
>> Despite mention byAnastasiades of other options such as a decentralized federation, neither the GC leadership nor the EU have not given the slightest impression that would accept two separate sovereign states in Cyprus.
>> Not possible to talk about a confederal solution without the political recognition of the north.
>> The focus must be on the TCs’ partnership rights, which had been usurped by the GC side since 1963.
>> The only way to put an end to the on-going violation of our rights is to respect the agreement achieved during the Berlin trilateral on Nov. 25, 2019, & work on establishing a federal structure on the basis of two equal constituent states for the TCs to live in freedom, equality & security.
>> The federal structure will be based on two politically equal constituent states, which safeguards the right for the constituent states to sign int’l treaties in various issues.
>> The TC side will seriously evaluate the GC side’s proposal of increasing the powers given to the constituent states.
>> Cyprus following the solution will become Turkey’s ally.
>> The solution also lies in the best interest of Turkey.
>> Chasing after unrealistic goals will only hinder the rights of the TCs.
>> Give up on the federation model will only serve for the continuation of GC side usurping the rights of the TCs.
>> While the GC side will continue to benefit from being a recognised state, the TCs will continue to suffer under embargoes & remain excluded from int’l law.
>> The TC community will not accept that & will continue to struggle to find a solution on the island.
Özersay: Michel’s statements neither logical nor realistic
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“It is vital for regional peace and stability for the European Union (EU) officials to refrain from taking sides with provocative actions that escalate tension and refrain from making statements that contribute to tension,” Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay said on Sunday.
In a statement issued from the ministry, Özersay added the promises of effective support by Charles Michel, President of the European Council to the Greek Cypriot side is concerning.
“Michel’s statement and support would only embolden the Greek Cypriot administration towards escalating the tension in the region with the dream of being part of the new power balance on the island and in the region,” Özersay stressed.
He added his statements will only serve to destabilise the Eastern Mediterranean region.
“Michel’s statement with a focus on ‘EU rights’ means he disregards the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey’s rights in the region completely,” Özersay argued.
This he added was unacceptable.
Özersay urged the European Union (EU) officials to recognise the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and acknowledge that the Turkish Cypriots are equal owners of the island.
“Any steps taken without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot side would only be binding for the Greek Cypriot side and will not be accepted by the Turkish Cypriot side,” Özersay stressed.
He reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s and Turkey’s determination to protect their rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
“It is our expectation that the EU Council summit scheduled to be held on September 24 and 25, will not evolve into a platform to escalate tension in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.
“The Turkish Cypriot side is ready and willing for collaboration and dialogue for the solution of the disputes and to protect the Turkish Cypriots’ equal rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Özersay concluded.
European Council chief Charles Michel pledged that the bloc will defend the rights of member state Cyprus in its standoff with Turkey over maritime and energy rights during his visit on September 16.
“The EU stands in solidarity with Cyprus as it faces a grave situation. That is why we have decided to call a summit on relations with Turkey,” Michel told after Anastasiades.
KEY ACTORS
Özersay (HP)
>> It is vital for regional peace & stability for the EU officials to refrain from taking sides with provocative actions that escalate tension & refrain from making statements that contribute to tension.
>> The promises of effective support by Michel to the GC side is concerning.
>> Michel’s statement & support will only embolden the GC side towards escalating tensions in the region.
>> Michel’s statements will only serve to destabilise the East Med. region.
>> Michel’s statement with a focus on ‘EU rights’ means he disregards the TCs & Turkey’s rights in the region completely & this is not acceptable.
>> The EU officials must recognise the rights of the TCs & acknowledge that the TCs are equal owners of the island.
>> Any steps are taken without the consent of the TC side will only be binding for the GC side & will not be accepted by the TC side.
>> The TC side & Turkey is determined to protect their rights and interests in the East Med. region.
>> TC side expects that the EU Council summit scheduled to be held on September 24 and 25, will not evolve into a platform to escalate tension in the East Med.
>> The TC side is ready and willing for collaboration & dialogue for the solution of the disputes and to protect the TCs’ equal rights & interests in the East Med.