Front Page Headlines
‘This is a crime’
A hospital worker deliberately hid the fact that he had come into contact with a positive Covid-19 case. The worker who had been sleeping at the hospital tested positive. He said he had not gone home to protect his family but in the meantime continued to work. According to the law on infectious diseases, a person who knows he/she is infected and who threatens public health can be sentenced to a year in prison. Health Minister Ali Pilli said, “He went all around the hospital but did not tell anyone. An investigation will be launched.” Pilli added that the health ministry will be taking legal action against the individual. The Deputy Chief Physician at the State Hospital Sonuç Büyük said that surgeries will be cancelled or their numbers reduced.
- The workers who crossed over to the south returned: From the checkpoint into quarantine.
- “The Prime Minister does not have the authority to change decisions adopted by the Higher Committee” – Ombudsperson Emine Dizdarlı evaluated the decision taken by the government to change the rule adopted by the Higher Committee for workers who work in the south.
- Vaccinations starting in the south along with other EU countries on December 27.
He put everyone at risk by hiding, he tested positive for Covid
One worker at the hospital, who was on the contacts list of the foreman at the Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu Hospital and who tested positive for Covid-19, hid his situation from the contact tracing team. The worker, who also tested positive, did not go home in an attempt to protect his family but instead slept at the hospital for days. The Health Ministry launched legal action against the hospital worker for acting irresponsibly.
- 13 local, four through contacts, 11 refugees, total 33 new cases in the TRNC.
- “The Hellim (Halloumi) registration will be presented to us on January 17” – Producers staged a protest against the EU proposed inspection mechanisms on the PDO registration of Hellim (Halloumi).
- They worked, returned to the north and entered quarantine – A group of workers employed in the south accepted the Prime Minister’s proposal and isolated themselves at the dormitories upon their return to the north. Ten workers were taken to the quarantine facility by a minibus from the Nicosia crossing point.
It will be catastrophic if the students do not return
While the government is under a lot of pressure on the issue of tourism, it has come under harsh criticism for its failure to take any steps for the return of university students to the country which help the retail sector remain afloat. Ekrem Soyşen, head of the Turkish Cypriot Student Dormitories Association, urged the authorities to revise the decision to resume university education online. He warned: “If the students do not return, we will start seeing a series of bankruptcies starting from the retailers.”
- Their goal is a non-solution – Main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) harshly criticized the president and the minority government for distancing themselves from the federal model, which it adds is the legitimate basis for a solution.
- The Greek Cypriots are ready for the vaccine – South Cyprus will start its Covid-19 vaccinations on December 27.
- They have closed their ears to criticism – The National Unity Party (UBP) – Democratic Party (DP) – Rebirth Party (YDP) minority government’s programme was debated in parliament. The opposition harshly criticized the government’s Cyprus policies and interference in political will.
- Put an end to discrimination – MEP Niyazi Kızılyürek urged the EU to correct its mistakes on the Turkish language during his address of the European Parliament. He criticized the EU for not recognizing Turkish as an official language and for treating Turkish Cypriots unfairly.
The punishment will be serious
The worker who continued to go to work at the state hospital despite knowing he had come into contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19 endangered all his co-workers. The number of cases rose to 33 yesterday (Thursday). A large number of hospital staff have been placed in isolation after the incident emerged. Health Minister Ali Pilli said that he has launched an investigation concerning the worker and warned that his punishment will be severe. Pilli spoke to TV2020 last night (Thursday) saying that 11 of the 17 undocumented migrants arrested in İskele (Trikomo) on Wednesday tested positive for Covid-19. He said that the total number of cases recorded yesterday (Thursday) reached 33. He called on all those who show symptoms to seek medical attention.
- EU assistance – The TRNC, which is seeing a rise in daily coronavirus cases, is waiting for 300,000 vaccines from the south.
- Loss of life 243 (Turkey) – 33 in the north, 457 cases in the south. 27,515 cases in Turkey.
They sent it to us because it doesn’t look like Atatürk
The public is outraged with the lack of respect shown to a statue donated to the Esentepe (Agios Amvrosios) Municipality because it does not resemble Atatürk. Mayor of Esentepe (Agios Amvrosios) Cemal Erdoğan, responding to the criticism, said the statue was donated to them because it was claimed it wasn’t a successful piece of work. He added that efforts were underway to replace the statue with a new one.
- Cost of the quarantine becomes ₺3,050 (€323) – The quarantine costs and the bank account numbers were revised following the decision to extend the quarantine duration to ten days.
- Entry without a PCR (test) into the South from March 1 onwards.
- Eight months pregnant Ksenya resisted the rapists – Andreas Paraskos penned a horrific story that took place in 1974. Xenia Hadjipavlou, who was 25 years old in 1974 and living in Maraş (Varosha) talked about her ordeal. “One day, three Turkish soldiers came to search my house. They looked through the cupboards. They couldn’t find anything. They wanted me to give them Coca Cola. There wasn’t any, I gave them water. They attempted to rape me… My eight-month pregnancy did not even mean anything to them,” Hadjipavlou said. “Five soldiers raped my neighbour and then threw her off the balcony…”
- Our Hellim (halloumi) became “Izgarella” in Turkey…
Main News
BBF remains the legitimate basis for a solution
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
“The legitimate basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem is the bicommunal, bizonal federation (BBF) based on the political equality of the two communities,” the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) said in a statement on Thursday.
The pro-solution parties in the north all expressed their objections to the latest remarks by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu who told the UN special envoy Jane Holl Lute that a federal solution was no longer sustainable in Cyprus.
The party criticised the Turkish Cypriot leadership’s and Turkish officials’ growing advocacy in support of a two-state solution model.
“The frequently mentioned two-state solution option will only distance the Turkish Cypriot community from international law,” the statement warned, noting that such a settlement would require changes to the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Cyprus as well as the Greek Cypriot side’s approval.
“To insist on this position will not only postpone a ‘solution’ to the Cyprus Problem indefinitely but will also serve to strengthen the hand of those who reject the Turkish Cypriot side’s legitimate demands for a settlement,” the statement said.
“Neither the UNSC members nor the Greek Cypriot side will accept a two-state solution based on sovereign equality,” CTP stressed.
CTP also pointed out that a return to the pre-2003 positions on the Cyprus problem will have irreversible consequences on the Turkish Cypriot community for which it will pay dearly.
“Claiming that there is no basis for federation would only mean erasing the moral advantage of the Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations process, pushing the community 40 years into the past,” the CTP argued.
The party added, pursuing a two-state solution would also result in wasting another five years for the Turkish Cypriot community.
“The Turkish Cypriot people want to be able to be integrated with the international community and to be able to see their future, ridding themselves of uncertainties. The only way to do so is to adamantly work for a federal settlement,” CTP concluded.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit underlined that the most feasible solution model on the island is federation.
Özyiğit, via social media, criticised Çavuşoğlu’s comments.
“Any other model than a federation would only result in venturing into unknown adventures,” he said and concluded by reiterating that federation remains the most feasible option before the two communities on the island.
Also criticising the Turkish Foreign Minister, United Cyprus Party (BKP) leader İzzet İzcan said Çavuşoğlu could not speak on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot community.
In a written statement issued by the party, İzcan noted that it was also unacceptable for the Turkish Foreign Minister to claim that the Turkish Cypriots desire a two-state solution based on sovereign equality.
“Turkey’s guarantor rights on the island are limited to the treaties. These treaties do not give Mr Çavuşoğlu the right to speak on behalf of the community or the right to dictate the solution model on the island,” İzcan stressed.
“The future of Cyprus can only be defined by the people of Cyprus. The solution to be found on the island will be nothing but a bicommunal, bizonal federal solution within the UN parameters,” İzcan concluded.
KEY ACTORS
CTP
>> BBF based on political equality is only legitimate basis for a Cyprob solution.
>> Pursuing two-state solution will have irreparable consequences for TCC.
>> TCs desire solution to integrate with international community, not be left out.
Özyiğit (TDP)
>> The most feasible solution model on the island is federation.
İzcan (BKP)
>> Turkish FM cannot speak on behalf of TCs.
>> Turkey’s rights on island limited to the treaties, which do not give Turkey right to speak on behalf of TCs or dictate solution model.
>> Only Cypriots can define Cyprus’ future. Solution will be BBF within UN parameters.
North’s importance for Blue Homeland has grown, Tatar claims
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
“The status of the TRNC has been upgraded due to recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean thus boosting its role in Turkey’s Blue Homeland policy,” Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar said on Thursday.
Speaking during a meeting with the head of the Turkish Cypriot Businesspersons’ Association (İŞAD) Enver Mamülcü, Tatar said developments in the region would also have a positive impact on the north’s economy.
He pointed out that Turkey has always been supportive of the Turkish Cypriots and that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s latest visit to the north gave a strong message to the international community in that direction.
“We gave the world a clear message which is that any solution on the island should be based on a two-state model with sovereign equality, where the sides can co-exist side-by-side,” Tatar concluded.
EU should support Turkey’s efforts in the East Med
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
EU Matters, Energy
OVERVIEW
“The EU should support and contribute to Turkey’s efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Turkish Presidential Spokesman İbrahim Kalın said on Thursday.
Holding an online meeting with the ambassadors of the EU member states, Kalın discussed developments in the region and Turkey-EU relations among other things.
“Turkey and EU should act in solidarity and cooperation against the challenges brought by regional crises,” Kalın stressed and called on the EU to improve its relations with Turkey.
“Turkey is willing and ready to take part in a negotiated resolution to its bilateral problems with Greece and in the Eastern Mediterranean region,” the spokesman noted, urging the EU to support Ankara’s efforts to turn “the Eastern Mediterranean into a sea of peace.”
In the meantime, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu touched on the Eastern Mediterranean issue during an interview with Turkish news broadcaster 24TV on Thursday.
He noted that Ankara is planning on taking steps together with the EU to organize a regional conference on the Eastern Mediterranean issue with the participation of all relevant sides.
“If there will be a Greek part for Cyprus [in the meeting], there must be the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as well. It is either the two or nothing,” Çavuşoğlu stressed.
He also referred to the recently completed EU Summit and reiterated his known stance that the EU has been taken hostage by the Greek and the Greek Cypriot side.
“As a regional actor, the EU’s attitude should be reasonable, sane, and oriented towards solidarity and cooperation with another actor Turkey,” Çavuşoğlu concluded.
Meanwhile, Turkey has issued a new Navtex after Greece violated the demilitarized status of the Meis island in violation of the Treaty of Paris.
The Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography’s Antalya station announced the Navtex on late Wednesday overriding the Greek Navtex issued for the same area, the dailies reported.
KEY ACTORS
Erdoğan (Turkey)
>> EU should support & contribute to Turkey’s efforts in the East Med.
>> Ankara is ready & willing to engage in talks to resolve bilateral problems with Greece & regional issues.
Çavuşoğlu (Turkey)
>> TC side must attend any regional conference if the GC side is to attend.
>> EU should adopt a more reasonable stance in favour of cooperation with Turkey.
Hellim (Halloumi) producers raise their voices on PDO registration
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
EU Matters, Economy
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot Hellim (Halloumi) producers on Thursday staged a protest outside the EU Programme Support Office (EUPSO) arguing that the latest proposed EU production control mechanisms will prevent the Turkish Cypriot producers from being included in the process of registering the Cypriot cheese as a designated product of origin (PDO).
Thursday’s protest was led by the head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KTSO) Candan Avunduk, head of the Turkish Cypriot Livestock Breeders’ Association (KTHB) Mustafa Naimoğulları and head of the Turkish Cypriot Farmers’ Association Hüseyin Çavuş Kelle
Avunduk, reading out a joint press statement on behalf of the producers, recalled that a joint agreement had been reached in 2015 between the two leaders and the EU Commission for the registration of Hellim (Halloumi) as a designated PDO.
“However, recently, there have been some developments contrary to the joint agreement and against the Turkish Cypriots’ rights and interests,” Avunduk said.
He stated that the EU proposed control mechanisms will prevent the Turkish Cypriot producers benefitting from fair and effective control mechanisms.
“The Turkish Cypriot producers are even faced with the risk of being deprived of the PDO registration completely,” Avunduk argued, adding that the EU’s approach on registering the Cypriot cheese produced by both communities on the island for centuries, will hurt the sector.
He said 22 per cent of the workforce ranging from farmers to livestock breeders as well as producers and exporters will be impacted negatively.
Avunduk pointed out that such a scenario would be disastrous for the Turkish Cypriot economy as Hellim (Halloumi) makes up 37.5 per cent of its total exports.
“We call on the EU to take steps that will protect the joint interests of the two communities on the island and to reinstate the climate of trust,” Avunduk stressed.
He also pointed out that the effective involvement of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) is required as a local partner to “Bureau Veritas,” which was supposed to be nominated by the EU in line with the joint agreement signed by the two leaders in 2015.
“The ‘Bureau Veritas’ inspections can only be carried out legally with a local partner otherwise it is not possible to carry out effective inspections and will not be possible for the Turkish Cypriot producers to benefit from it,” Avunduk reminded.
The KTSO chairman also called on the legal provisions that will enable the Turkish Cypriots to export their products to the EU directly to be simultaneously introduced with the PDO registration of Hellim (Halloumi).
“The legislation on exports is vital for the Turkish Cypriot community especially given the unkept promises by the EU in 2004 on the direct trade regulation,” Avunduk stressed.
Touching on the issue of the exports through the Green Line Trade Regulation, he underlined the importance of the EU appointing the required experts to carry our hygiene and food safety inspections as is the case in fresh fish, potato and honey exports.
“It is also vital for the experts to carry out inspections on dairy products to be appointed by the EU Commission to ensure their impartiality,” Avunduk concluded.
Also speaking during the event, Naimoğulları said the production plants and factories in the north were operating at EU standards.
Criticising the EU for taking “political decisions,” Naimoğulları claimed that the EU wanted to grant the PDO registration of Hellim (Halloumi) to the Greek Cypriot side even though the product belonged to both communities.
“We will intensify our protests should the EU not change its mind,” Naimoğulları said, adding their goal was to ensure that Turkish Cypriot producers continue their production.
Echoing a similar message, Kelle highlighted that the same technology was being used on both sides of the divide to produce the same product.
“Therefore, it would be unacceptable for the EU to grant PDO registration to the Greek Cypriot side whilst leaving the Turkish Cypriot side out,” Kelle stressed.
He urged the EU to correct its mistake.
Kızılyürek: “I’m the only MEP who cannot speak in my mother tongue”
Yenidüzen
Human Rights, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
“The failure to recognize Turkish as one of the official languages of the EU is not only discrimination against Turkish Cypriots but also hinders efforts to reunify the island of Cyprus,” Akel MEP Niyazi Kızılyürek has said.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kızılyürek said he urged all EU institutions to “correct this mistake” during his recent address of the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels.
Kızılyürek also noted that he was supporting the “Minority Security Package” bill brought before the EP with 1.3m signatures.
“I – a Turkish-speaking Cypriot – am probably the only MEP who is unable to speak in his mother tongue even though Turkish continues to be one of the official languages of a member state,” Kızılyürek stressed.
Following his earlier initiatives at the EU Commission and Council, Kızılyürek has launched a petition for the recognition of Turkish as an official EU language.
He held an event on December 10, World Human Rights Day together with the support of 33 organisations, to draw attention to ongoing language-based discrimination against Turkish-speaking European citizens.
Kızılyürek also urged everyone to sign the petition, which asks for the European Parliament to put an immediate end to the ongoing discrimination and to recognise Turkish as one of the official languages of the EU.