Front Page Headlines
Meaningful resignation at Supreme Board of Justice
Retired judge Çetin Veziroğlu who represents the Office of the President at the Supreme Board of Justice resigned from his duties citing anti-democratic practices and interfering in the elections. “I deem it as dishonourable to represent a presidency, which was obtained through anti-democratic means,” he said. “The regime of fear and tyranny created by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in Turkey is being imported to the TRNC for a long time with the help of local collaborators,” Veziroğlu added.
- “Let’s have a picnic” – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with the TRNC President Ersin Tatar. Criticisms were directed against the federation model during the press conference. Erdoğan proposed to have a picnic in Maraş (Varosha) during his planned visit on November 15.
- “No Prime Minister, Council of Ministers does not exist” – The Council of Ministers has ceased functioning. Only routine business is being carried out in the country.
- “New period is inconsistent with the principles of peace” – Turkish Cypriot members of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Culture resign.
A two-state solution must be tabled
Turkish President Erdoğan received TRNC President Tatar, who carried out his first official visit to Turkey, with an official ceremony. The two heads of state, following their meeting at the Presidential Complex, stood before the cameras. Erdoğan drew attention to the fact that a federation is no longer a valid model.
- Five candidates competing for UBP’s leadership – The candidates for the National Unity Party (UBP) leadership, which was vacated following Tatar’s election as president, submitted their applications yesterday (Monday).
Autumn picnic in the ghost town
President Tatar carried out his official visit abroad. He received an official welcome with a 21-gun salute. Following a tête-à-tête with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the two held a joint press conference. Turkish President Erdoğan said it must be understood that it is not possible to reach a result under the current parameters following negotiations which lasted half a century. He announced he will be in the TRNC on November 15.
- “The president is not a king” – Main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman harshly criticised newly elected President Tatar and UBP.
- Tough competition – Faiz Sucuoğlu, Dursun Oğuz, Ünal Üstel, Hasan Taçoy and Nazım Çavuşoğlu will compete for the leadership at UBP.
Clear message
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Tatar in Ankara, saying that a federation was no longer a valid model and that a two-state solution needed to be brought to the table. TRNC President Ersin Tatar was greeted with a grand ceremony in Ankara. Turkish President Erdoğan said that a federation had ceased to be a valid model following the collapse of talks in Crans Montana. While Erdoğan announced he would be visiting the TRNC on November 15 he suggested that they could have a picnic in Maraş (Varosha). Ersin Tatar for his part said that the five-party meeting suggested by Turkey was the only remaining opportunity for a solution in Cyprus.
- Beef, lamb and fat –1.6 tons of smuggled meat seized in Demirhan (Trachoni).
We will have a picnic in Maraş (Varosha)
Tayyip Erdoğan, who won the election, will be coming to the TRNC on November 15. Holding a joint press conference with Tatar, Erdoğan announced he will be coming to the TRNC on November 15. “It will be an opportunity to pay a return visit and have a picnic in Maraş (Varosha),” Erdoğan said.
- Akıncı’s culture technical committee also resigned – Turkish Cypriot members of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Culture, which was established by Akıncı and Anastasiades in 2015, resigned.
- Veziroğlu resigned – He could not accept election interference. “I cannot represent the Office of the President, which is now obtained through anti-democratic methods at the Supreme Board of Justice. It would be dishonourable for me,” retired judge and former MP Çetin Veziroğlu, who had been appointed to the post by Mustafa Akıncı, said.
- Kudret Özersay: There is no Council of Ministers anymore!
- Erdoğan calls for boycotting French products.
Main News
Erdoğan & Tatar say a two-state solution must be tabled
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Governance & Power Sharing, Energy, Territory, Property, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday it was time for a realistic proposal about a two-state solution to be discussed, suggesting that a federal model could no longer apply following the collapse of talks in Crans Montana.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar in Ankara, Erdoğan said new ideas concerning the solution model were needed.
The two held a tete-a-tete at the presidential complex in Ankara before speaking to reporters.
The agenda of the meeting concerned the way forward regarding the Cyprus negotiations process, the hydrocarbons issue, as well as the fenced-off city of Maraş (Varosha).
“After all, at the moment there are two separate peoples who have founded two separate states,” Erdoğan said.
He said that the efforts of the Turkish side alone were not enough for a solution, adding that it was obvious the Greek Cypriot side had no intention of accepting a solution based on an equal partnership with Turkish Cypriots.
“Nevertheless, Turkish Cypriots demand a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus Problem, the Turkish president said.
Erdoğan also said no result could be achieved under the current parameters following negotiations that lasted for more than half a century.
“At this stage, we believe starting talks based on a federation will be a waste of time. Therefore, we believe a two-state solution must now be brought to the table with a realistic proposal,” he added.
Erdoğan stated the only reason negotiations have failed for over 50 years was the Greek Cypriot side’s uncompromising attitude.
“The Greeks don’t want to share the state they extorted in 1963 with the Turkish Cypriot people,” he added.
He said that any settlement to be reached should allow the two communities to live side by side in peace, prosperity and security but should also be based on the facts on the island.
Pointing to developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erdoğan said that the reason for the current situation in the region was the Greek/Greek Cypriot duo, who have not heeded Turkey’s warnings since 2003 and have ignored its constructive suggestions, said Erdogan.
He said Turkey would continue to support the development of the north economically, politically and socially.
“We aim to raise the Turkish Cypriot people’s living standard and allow them to view a secure future. Turkish Cypriots, Turkey will forever be on your side,” Erdoğan stressed.
Erdoğan also accused the Greek Cypriot side of seeing the Turkish Cypriot side “as a minority under their own rule” and said they “continue to usurp the equal rights of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Praising the reopening of a section of the fenced-off city of Maraş (Varosha), Erdoğan suggested having a picnic in the seaside town when he visits the north on November 15, on the anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence by Turkish Cypriots, to inaugurate the new pandemic hospital in Nicosia.
For his part, Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar said that the five-party meeting suggested by Turkey was the only remaining opportunity for a settlement in Cyprus.
“We don’t have an eye on anybody’s rights, but we also can’t accept the violation of our rights,” Tatar said as he addressed reporters at the press conference.
Tatar also dismissed prospects for a federation, saying no one believed in such an outcome.
He pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot side had repeatedly done its part for a just, lasting and viable solution to the Cyprus Problem, the process in Crans Montana in 2017 being the most recent example.
Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot side knowingly insisted on tabling demands such as ending Turkey’s military presence on the island and the scrapping of the system of guarantees which the Turkish Cypriot side would never accept.
He added that a five-party conference will not only be important in terms of bringing to the table a two-state solution but also determining whether or not a solution will be possible.
Regarding the issue of hydrocarbons, Tatar said that matter was an honesty test for the Greek Cypriot side.
“In our opinion, your proposal to convene a conference with the participation of the TRNC to discuss the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean is extremely realistic and constructive,” he added.
However, Tatar said it would be “a dream” to expect the Greek Cypriots, who have refused to compromise even on the maritime resources around the island, to agree with the suggestion, stressing that no one had the right to knowingly commit the Turkish Cypriots to the plots of the Greek side.
“We’re determined to take further steps in harmony and cooperation with Turkey,” he added.
On the issue of Maraş (Varosha), Tatar defended the move to reopen a section of the fenced-off town, stating that it was the right decision.
He added that the area had been opened in line with a roadmap prepared by his government in a determined fashion. “Hopefully Maraş (Varosha) will cease to remain a ghost town and will contribute to our country’s economy. We hope to restore the town to its former glory as a tourism hotspot,” he said.
KEY ACTORS
Erdoğan (Turkey)
>> It is time for a realistic proposal about a two-state solution to be discussed at the negotiations.
>> A federal model could no longer apply following the collapse of talks in Crans Montana.
>> New ideas concerning the solution model are needed.
>> There are two separate peoples who have founded two separate states in Cyprus.
>> Efforts of the Turkish side alone are not enough for a solution. The GC side has no intention of accepting a solution based on an equal partnership with TCs.
>> No result can be achieved under the current parameters.
>> We believe starting talks based on a federation will be a waste of time.
>> Any settlement to be reached should allow the two communities to live side by side in peace, prosperity & security but should also be based on the facts on the island.
>> The reason for the current situation in the East Med is Greek/GC duo, who have not heeded Turkey’s warnings since 2003 & have ignored its constructive suggestions.
>> Turkey will continue to support the development of the north economically, politically & social levels.
>> Turkey’s goal will be to raise TCs’ living standards.
Tatar
>> Five-party meeting suggested by Turkey is the only remaining opportunity for a settlement in Cyprus.
>> We don’t have an eye on anybody’s rights, but we also can’t accept the violation of our rights.
>> Prospects for a federation not possible as no one believes in such an outcome.
>> TC side has repeatedly done its part for a just, lasting and viable solution to the Cyprob.
>> GC side knowingly insists on demands on Turkish troops and guarantees which the TC side will never accept.
>> A five-party conference will not only be important in terms of bringing to the table a two-state solution but also determining whether or not a solution will be possible.
>> Hydrocarbon matter an honesty test for GC side.
>> Proposal to convene a conference with the participation of the TC side to discuss the developments in the East Med is extremely realistic & constructive.
>> However, it would be “a dream” to expect the GCs, to agree with the suggestion.
>> TC side is determined to take further steps in harmony & cooperation with Turkey.
>> Decision to open a section of Maraş (Varosha), the right move.
>> The area has been opened in line with a roadmap prepared by the government.
>> Hopefully Maraş (Varosha) will cease to remain a ghost town & will contribute to north’s economy after being restored to its former glory as a tourism hotspot.
Akıncı appointees resign in protest of election results
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
CBMs, Governance and Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
Several officials appointed by former president Mustafa Akıncı resigned on Monday in protest against what they described as the anti-democratic election results.
The Turkish Cypriot members of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Culture in a letter sent to the Office of the President, submitted their resignations, stating that the outcome of the elections did not reflect and comply with the collective principles identified and agreed by all the members.
The committee, established in 2015 following an agreement between the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and the then-Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı, strived to establish a culture of peace, which could constitute the basis of a united federal Cyprus.
They noted that they all worked voluntarily and with unanimity.
“The committee’s goal is to assist in the creation of an environment on the island in which different cultures can co-exist in peace without discriminating against each other; to develop tolerance and empathy by removing differences and to raise awareness on multiculturalism, to create mutual respect for the way of life on the island; and to unite the Cypriots around the universal language of art to create joint values,” the members said.
They added that the committee had carried out its activities based on the principles outlined by Akıncı to improve the daily lives of the Cypriots and to develop a federal culture on the island which would one day assist the creation of a united federal Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot chair of the Committee Kani Kanol and members Ruzen Atakan, Mehmet Kansu, Yaşar Ersoy, Emin Çizenel, Aslı Bolayır, Musa Kayra, Yıltan Taşcı all resigned from their duties paving the way for the appointment of new members by Ersin Tatar.
In the meantime, retired judge Çetin Veziroğlu, another appointed official by Akıncı, also resigned from his duty as the representative of the Office of the President at the Supreme Board of Justice, citing “anti-democratic practices that changed the outcome of the election and election interference” as reasons for quitting.
“It will be dishonourable to represent the presidency, which was obtained through anti-democratic means. I, therefore, resign from my duty but I will continue my fight for democracy, peace, freedom and an independent and fair judicial system,” Veziroğlu said.
He added that efforts had been continuing for some time with the help of local collaborators to import the regime of fear and tyranny to the north.
MPs call on Tatar to end government crisis
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Governance and Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
The crisis of government caused by the withdrawal of the People’s Party (HP) from the government just days before Ersin Tatar was elected as the new Turkish Cypriot president continued to dominate the domestic agenda in the north on Monday.
The situation was further tangled after Tatar insisted on waiting for the election of a new leader at the National Unity Party (UBP) before handing over the task of forming a new government.
UBP on Monday came under heavy fire by MPs in the Turkish Cypriot parliament.
While opposition MPs urged newly-elected Tatar to appoint an acting premier to launch the efforts to form a new coalition without having to wait for the UBP congress, Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader Cemal Özyiğit said the TDP will submit a motion calling for the launch of an inquiry into the allegations of meddling in the elections.
(Former) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay who has remained silent since quitting the government said that Tatar had disregarded state tradition and practice by refusing to submit his resignation to the president before the election was held.
He said that the Council of Ministers of the UBP-HP coalition ceased to exist and function.
Özersay recalled he had called Tatar to appoint any one of the ministers as his deputy to submit the government’s resignation to the president.
“There is now a governmental gap. We do not have a prime minister, therefore, there cannot be a council of ministers either,” Özersay stressed.
Özersay concluded by reminding Tatar that it is his legal responsibility and obligation to appoint someone to submit his resignation without further delay.
Main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman also slammed Tatar for his decisions and said: “as a result, the council of ministers has become non-existent.”
“Despite our previous warnings, there is no cabinet in place at the moment… The moment the People’s Party (HP) withdrew from the government before the elections, Tatar should have submitted his resignation to the president without delay,” Erhürman stressed.
He added that should Tatar have done that, they would not be experiencing a crisis of government today.
Erhürman also pointed out that it was not legally possible for Tatar to chair the cabinet meetings until a new coalition is established.
“Chairing the cabinet meetings as the president is different from chairing its meetings until a new government is formed as its permanent head… It is not possible to speak about a cabinet if there is no prime minister in place,” Erhürman stressed.
The CTP leader urged UBP MPs to be “more serious” about governance.
“Enough is enough! We are forced to deal with people who lack state seriousness and responsibility,” Erhürman concluded.
Democratic Party (DP) leader Fikri Ataoğlu for his part congratulated Tatar on his victory in the elections and expressed hope that the new government is formed swiftly.
“There are many problems in the health, education, tourism and construction sectors. The economy is in severe difficulty. We all have to focus on the solution of these problems and everyone must take on the responsibility,” Ataoğlu said.
23 undocumented migrants found off the coast of Yenierenköy (Yialousa)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Migration & Citizenship, Internal Security, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
23 undocumented Syrian migrants found in a boat off the coast of Yenierenköy (Yialousa) on Sunday night were handed over to the Turkish Coast Guard on Monday, the Turkish dailies reported.
The Turkish Cypriot Security Forces (GKK) in line with a cooperation protocol signed with the Turkish coast guard handed custody of the 23 undocumented Syrian migrants found five miles off the coast of Yenierenköy (Yialousa) to the Turkish authorities.
In another development, the police, during a routine patrol near the Akyar (Strovilia) crossing point, found 12 Syrian migrants on Sunday.
The undocumented Syrian migrants were placed in police custody.
1.6 tons of smuggled meat seized
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Police in collaboration with customs officials on Monday seized 1.6 tons of meat in Demirhan (Trachoni) smuggled from the South.
The meat was discovered in the fridge of an establishment in the village during a series of checks carried out in the area.
1,369kg of beef, 181kg of lamb and 62kg of fat were seized in the establishment believed to be a restaurant.
While the owner of the establishment was arrested, the municipality shut down the business.
Turkey, Greece cancel Navtex notices in goodwill gesture
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
External Security, Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
Turkey and Greece on Monday cancelled their recently announced navigational telexes (Navtex).
Announcing the move, Turkish security sources said the decision to annul a Navtex on a military exercise in the region had been taken as a gesture of goodwill and to prove once again that Ankara prefers dialogue to solve problems in the Eastern Mediterranean
Saying that Turkey continues to insist on international law, good neighbourly relations, dialogue and political solutions in the disputes regarding the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, security sources said Greece cancelled its October 29 Navtex while Turkey cancelled its drill set for October 28.
Accordingly, the decision to annul the Navtex notices came after Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar attended a NATO defence ministers’ meeting last week and the annulment was supported by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and the Greek defence minister.
After Athens had issued a Navtex alert for October 29, Turkey’s Republic Day, Ankara in response issued its Navtex alert for shooting drills on the day prior, October 28, a national holiday of Greece.