Front Page Headlines
‘The worst since 1974’
Every sector of the economy has been dealt a huge blow by the pandemic and resulting lockdowns.
- Clash with history: Growing calls to change street names in Larnaca’s old Turkish Cypriot quarter
- Maths Brain: After gaining top maths accolade in UK, great mind teaches in north
- Vaccines: the EU’s PR fiasco
- Covid situation better but risks remain
- Failing to deliver (photo caption): The pandemic has overwhelmed the postal services as a surge in online orders from abroad coupled with severely limited flights has created the perfect storm
Open letter to President of the Republic
- Five-party: Backing by Guterres for confederation ideas with support of the British
- Pandemic: Mutations also threaten Cyprus
- Racket of complaints over ‘feasting’: Private auditors dusting community councils for money squandering
- Savvas Iakovides (Opinion): Why N. Anastasiades should not have fallen into the trap of the five-party
- Nicos Katsourides (Opinion): Five party framework, process and Republic of Cyprus
- Yiannakis L. Omirou (Opinnion): Germany is maintaining the occupation of Cyprus
- Kostis Efstathiou (Opinion): The adventures of the five-party
- Xenis Xenofontos (Opinion): Time to carve a new course for the Cyprus Problem
- Andreas Theophanous (Opinion): The Greco-Turkish dialogue and the Cyprus Problem
Two vetos from Lute and one British plan
Exercises on paper at the Presidential Palace on the Cyprus Problem. The British have presented a new formula to reheat the Cyprus Problem to President Anastasiades but also to Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. What lurks behind the “sovereign equality” being promoted by the Turkish side, if the real goal is not to achieve a two-state solution? Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Nicosia tomorrow, while within the week the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs will also visit Cyprus. Towards the five-party.
- Cyprus Problem: In the murky waters of constructive ambiguity
- Hoping for a miracle with a guarantee: Timeline to the Archbishopric to save the listed buildings
- Parliamentary elections: A bit of everything from DISY, an air of renewal from AKEL
- Coronavirus: We’re not getting out of it that easily
- Osman Sert (interview): “The extremists will displace Erdogan”
Plan for a ‘bad bank’
Revealing interview of Finance minister Constantinos Petrides with ‘Ph’. Purchase of NPL (non-performing loan) portfolio through KEDIPES.
- Nikos Kotzias to ‘Ph’: The Turks and British want to eradicate the Crans Montana body of work
- What are Cavusoglu‘s instructions toward Tatar: A ‘decentralised’ federation is the key
- Five-party with many changes in the lead roles
- Turkey like a bull in a china shop
- Investigative Committee: It fears comparison of its report with findings of Audit Office
- Constantinos Tsioutis: With correct information we’ll fight the pandemic
Mass vaccinations for a clean April
The scene is clearing up for Cyprus, while approval of the J&J vaccine is expected in the same month in Brussels.
- London requesting ‘facilitation’ of Tatar
- Paper being handed out in Eastern Mediterranean: Athens’ goal is alliances
- Presidential Palace: When the lights go out on the hill
- Achilleas Demetriades: Shows his cards on the presidential elections
- Michalis Sophocleous: Arrogance has hurt the people of DISY
- Constantinos Yiorkadjis: Municipality requesting restoration of listed buildings
Strong AKEL for Cyprus and the people
Τhe forthcoming result of the parliamentary elections will determine how strong AKEL will be to defend the interests of Cyprus and the worker, was the message sent by the General Secretary of the party Andros Kyprianou, emphasising at the same time that the challenges in the Cyprus Problem are enormous and highlighting the fact that we are experiencing situations of unprecedented corruption and entanglements. The Central Committee ratified the ballot paper of AKEL-Left-New Forces for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
- The real stake is a Federation and not its decentralisation
- The T/C left calls for multidimensional cooperation
- ‘Cry of agony’ for the enclaved amid the pandemic
- The orgy of illegalities feeds off impunity
Messages from Anastasiades towards Guterres, T/Cs and Turkey
Clear positions by the President of the Republic. Towards UNSG: “I’m ready for a substantive dialogue on the resolution of the Cyprus Problem.” Towards T/C side: If you really want a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Problem you have to assist not in satisfying the claims of Turkey but those of all Cypriots.
- Divided leadership: How the President is going to the five-party summit on the Cyprus Problem
- Political analysis: Our side’s last card
- Biden’s strict stance against Turkey, it should avoid purchasing Russian equipment or else… sanctions
- The next step in de-escalation (of Covid measures): The health minister referred yesterday to an improvement in the epidemiological picture. It was announced yesterday that a 63-year-old man died from Covid-19, while a total of 132 new cases were found through testing.
Main News
Backstage mobility by UN, UK for decentralised federation, reports say
Alithia, Kathimerini, Politis, Phileleftheros
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Phileleftheros reports that a decentralised federation, the contents of which still remain vague, appears to be the tool for establishing common ground between the two sides. Citing sources, the paper writes that both the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute and the UK’s Foreign Office were encouraged by Anastasiades’ position on a decentralised federation, which is viewed as a potential step through which the GC side can approach the TC side. The paper writes that how this approach will be performed is another matter, as so far, the practical details behind the term, which set off as a ‘loose’ federation and then developed into a ‘decentralised’ federation, remain unclear.
Phileleftheros writes that the UN Secretariat has begun throwing ideas around regarding how to move forward given the new situation, while the Foreign Office has developed a ‘reconciliatory’ framework in a bid to bridge the differences between the two sides, particularly as regards the matter of political equality.
Regarding Lute, Politis reports that she put an end to the TC side’s insistence on two states during her two visits to the island in December 2020 and January 2021. The paper reports that during her meetings with the TC leader Ersin Tatar, Lute made it clear that it is not the time or place for the pursuit of recognition, and the UNSG will not be calling a five-party summit if such a claim remains on the table. She also clarified that the UN will never recognise a state that was established through violence. Lute however said, according to Politis, that the TC claim for sovereign equality can be discussed and is within the parameters of the UNSG’s mandate for the resolution of the Cyprob.
Lute also made two points clear to the GC side, Politis reports. One is that if the GC side does not accept political equality with TCs, as defined by the UNSG in his framework developed at Crans Montana, whereby TCs will have effective participation in the establishment of a federal government, then there would be no point in calling an informal summit. The GC side responded that it accepts political equality in a decentralised federal government, the functionality of which would have to be guaranteed. Again, Lute accepted this position as being within the UN parameters for a resolution of Cyprob.
Regarding the UK’s manoeuvres, Phileleftheros notes that the Foreign Office delegation that visited Cyprus recently put forward ideas such as ‘sovereign communities’ and ‘community states’. Upon his visit to Cyprus, the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab did not expand on what these ideas entail, perhaps, the paper suggests, because they have not been fully thought through yet. But what Raab did make clear was that any moves that afflict the Republic also affect the interests of London, Phileleftheros reports.
Politis however lists the eight points that make up the UK’s formula, showing that there has been some substance behind the ideas being thrown around during the UK’s backstage manoeuvres over the past few weeks. But the paper writes that the ideas presented by the UK are nothing new, as all points are already on the table and have been resolved according to the UNSG’s report. The paper writes that behind the generalisations in Raab’s statements regarding the UK’s desire for a solution that would benefit all Cypriots, is a formula to revive the Cyprus Problem in a way that bridges the differences between the two sides, while the formula has been presented to both leaders. Politis reports that the formula bridges differences on a symbolic rather a substantive level. The formula attempts to improve the positions of the GC side for a solution in the form of a decentralised federation, while considering the TC side’s claim for sovereign equality of two federal states.
Politis outlines the basic principles of the UK’s approach. Firstly, the two communities that were established in 1960 will today establish the Cypriot Federal Republic as two community states, in the same way that the Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 by both sides. The federal state will not be required to reapply for accession into the EU or UN. Secondly, the federal government will have competences in certain areas which will be defined, such as foreign policy, the economy, security, and citizenship. There will be a Council of Ministers with nine Ministers (six GC and three TC) and two co-Presidents with equal status. Maybe even an ornamental President. As regards the appointment of Ministers, the UK suggests studying the federal system of Brussels (where each community, the Walloons and the Flemish, appoint their Ministers), as well as the model of Northern Ireland (where the Council of Ministers is constituted according to the performance of parties in parliamentary elections). Thirdly, the legislative authority on a federal level will comprise one 36-person body, 24 of which will be GC and 12 TC, with safeguards for the minority.
Fourth, the two community states, beyond the competences that will lie with the federal government, will have the right to reach their own agreements. These could include registration with international bodies and representation in international sports events in the way that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own teams at UEFA championships and other sports events. Fifth, the two community states will give their consent to decisions of the federal government on international and EU matters. If unanimity is not achieved then Cyprus will not take part in international or intra-EU votes, as happened in Belgium for three years.
Sixth, as regards occupation armies, these will be withdrawn to the greatest extent possible upon the signing of the solution agreement. Turkey will abandon its claim for unilateral intervention through the Treaty of Guarantee, while a small number of Greek and Turkish soldiers will remain, as will guarantees for a period of 10 years. Seventh, as regards territory, the UK suggests the implementation of the map agreed upon by Anastasiades and Akinci, whereby the territory of the TC community state will range between 28.2% and 29.2%, while Morphou and Varosha will be returned. Finally, as regards property, the suggestion is for the implementation of convergences already reached, including the recognition of the emotional link of GCs to property and for a resolution of the matter through the threefold approach of return, compensation, exchange.
Politis reports that the GC side is hesitant as regards the UK’s formula, particularly as regards its manoeuvres around the matters of political and sovereign equality which are being pursued by the TCs, but it nevertheless claims to be satisfied with the rest of the points. The paper reports that with the term ‘community states’, the British are attempting to provide substance to the TC position in favour of sovereign equality, as the resulting situation would be two states forming one government.
Citing sources, Kathimerini reports that Raab is seeking to facilitate the positions of Tatar, and requested the cooperation of Nicosia through a flexible approach that would garner positive results at the informal summit. The same sources told Kathimerini that Anatasiades made clear to Raab that the discussion of ideas regarding a two-state or confederal solution is out of the question. The paper reports that Anastasiades also attempted to show how such a development would have a boomerang effect, by bringing up statements made recently by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon regarding a referendum on independence from the UK. The paper reports that the UK’s approach is accommodating Turkey’s pursuits, such as that of equality, while also facilitating the improvement of Turkey’s relations with the EU, in a bid to boost its diplomatic role post-Brexit.
Phileleftheros reports that the UN is mostly concerned about how to persuade the Turkish side, as Turkey has made clear that it will not be accepting a resumption of talks from where they left off in Crans Montana, and is rather putting forward a position in favour of two states. This is also why third parties (UN, EU, UK) are making efforts to provide incentives for Turkey to cooperate, given the country’s positive response to participating in the informal summit and in exploratory talks with Greece, the paper suggests.
During his visit to the north earlier this week, Cavusoglu laid down two parameters before Tatar: that they will pursue a two-state solution, and that they must not bear the burden of responsibility in the event of an impasse in the new processes, Phileleftheros reports. The paper reports that Tatar will not be deviating from these two parameters, while any developments will be handled by Cavusoglu. The paper adds that Cavusoglu believes that he can achieve his goals either because some have assured him of this, or because he believes that UN resolutions can be changed. Even further, the paper writes, Cavusoglu believes that the UN Security Council (UNSC) can authorise Guterres to change his mandate, though Phileletheros sees this as a long shot as long as the GC side refuses such a development.
Politis reports that diplomatic sources have noticed more flexibility in Cavusoglu’s statements compared to his initial absolute positions regarding the goal of two independent states with international recognition, with Turkey now pursuing sovereign equality “on the basis of which there can also exist two states.”
Politis reports that the term ‘sovereign equality’ is not new, as it had been agreed upon in the document recording the convergences between Christofias and Talat, as well as in the joint declaration of February 11, 2014. There, sovereign equality is defined as: “Neither side can claim authority or jurisdiction over the other side,” and “there is no hierarchy between the federal government and the two constituent federal states.” Therefore, Politis questions what the fuss is all about regarding ‘sovereign equality’ and the possibility of the establishment of two states, and wonders what the UK’s intervention is achieving beyond additional suspicion.
According to Politis, citing a TC source, should a new referendum be rejected by GCs, then the TCs will move to establish their own state, and therefore whether Cyprus will emerge as a federation or two states is up to the GCs, as it is a given that TCs will vote ‘yes’ again.
Politis reports that over the past few weeks, Anastasiades has convened three meetings with the new negotiating team which consists mainly of technocrats and constitutional experts, in view of preparing for all potential scenarios of how the informal five-party summit could play out. Politis reports that a GC source said that if Turkey truly desires a solution within the parameters of the Guterres framework, then this time she will have it.
Meanwhile, Alithia reports that following his meeting with the Slovenian Foreign Minister on Saturday, Anastasiades issued statements in which he directly addressed the TC side, noting that “if they truly desire a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Problem then they will have to assist not in satisfying the claims of Turkey, but, mainly, [satisfying] those of Cypriots, be they Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot.” Anastasiades expressed hope that at the informal summit, common ground will be found for the resumption of a formal dialogue, “which will lead to definitive peace through the resolution of the Cyprus Problem which will be based, of course, on the principles of the UN, the EU, and always with rules that will govern the functionality of the state within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.” Anastasiades said the Republic is determined to participate in the informal summit and without preconditions.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades (EU)
>> If the TC side wants a peaceful resolution to Cyprob, then it must focus on satisfying the claims of all Cypriots and not those of Turkey.
>> GC side ready to participate in informal summit without preconditions.
>> Hopes for a resumption of formal talks that will lead to a BBF solution based on UN & EU principles, and governed by rules that will ensure the functionality of the state.
Republic prepares for Mitsotakis, Borrel visits
Phileleftheros
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The papers report on the upcoming visit of the Greek Prime Minister on Monday, while Phileleftheros reports that the date has also been set for the visit of the the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on February 19-21.
Phileleftheros reports that Mitsotakis’ visit was arranged for Monday, a date pushed forward from initial tentative dates later in February, as President Anastasiades is attempting to purposefully shift focus from the passports scandal onto the Cyprus Problem. The paper reports that since last October, the main issue at the Palace has not been the Cyprus Problem nor the pandemic, but a series of issues mainly related to corruption and the Cyprus Investment Programme, with Anastasiades himself being the frequent target of allegations.
Phileleftheros writes that Anastasiades’ phone call with Mitsotakis on the Cyprus Problem this week was secondary news compared to the President’s testimony before the Investigative Committee probing the Cyprus Investment Programme. The paper posits that the phone call may have even been arranged to show that the GC side is also preparing for the informal summit, as Cavusoglu was at the time in the north to coordinate positions with the TC leader.
Regarding the upcoming visit by Mitsotakis, the paper reports that it could facilitate cooperation and send a message that it is not just the Turkish side that is in full-swing preparatory mode ahead of the informal summit. But the paper notes that it remains unclear whether the visit will change the domestic situation, and mainly the critical stance held by the opposition (AKEL) regarding the President’s stance on the Cyprob.
Regarding the informal summit, Phileleftheros reports that it will not see any negotiations taking place, but will assess whether conditions are ripe for formal talks, which may take place in June. At the summit, the paper reports that the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres wants to show that along general lines, there is a willingness for agreement from all sides as well as a common vision and common ground. The paper writes that given that no one wants to be responsible for contributing to the collapse of the informal summit, efforts will move forward to the next stage.
At the formal negotiations, Phileleftheros reports that the five parties will be separated into two tables – the two sides on one table and the guarantor powers on the other – while talks will focus on certain parameters that will be tabled by the UNSG, as he did at Crans Montana through the Guterres framework.