Front Page Headlines
A bet for everyone and the hoped-for result is… logic
Police and organisers are on alert so that today’s mass protests in Nicosia and Limassol do not get out of hand. The Police is strongly concerned over a potential intrusion of ‘foreign’ elements into the Nicosia and Limassol protests. It is preparing a strong but discrete presence, with back-up ready to intervene if needed. The government is calling on the Police to not undertake a disproportional handling of violent incidents which may potentially take place, while at the same time refutes the absolute criticism against the force and is requesting mutual respect. Increased participation of protesters expected, with organisers saying that they will participate peacefully, adhering to all protection measures and with an intent to protect the protest from potential aberrations.
- Cyprus Problem: The ‘5+1’ does not determine common ground
- After 60 years: Code for MPs for their… conflicts of interest
- ‘Thorn’ in relaxations: 60% of cases in Limassol
Judges veto changes
Justice reform in danger of capsizing. President rushing to organise meetings. The Supreme (Court) wants to lump onto the new appeals court the 5,000 delayed trials.
- Rendezvous at the end of April for the Cyprus Problem: Five-party still open
- The Cypriot coronavirus strain a cousin of the UK’s: Important findings in Kostrikis’ study
Instead of restructuring, banks are choking borrowers
Abusive practices by banks and unbearable pressure on borrowers.
- Opening of checkpoints and road map for stabilisation of crossings
- 37 different genealogies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been detected
Police brace for protests
New demos in Nicosia and Limassol. Officers feel ‘vilified’ after harsh criticism. Lottides calls on police for explanations.
- Covid: Limassol still a standout area of concern
And God help us
Demonstrations on two fronts in Nicosia and Limassol today. References to carrying molotov (cocktails) and rocks – estimations of participation at more than 1,000 protesters. The police is determined to protect citizens and their properties – it will disperse any event that turns violent. Strong reaction by KEVE (Chamber of Commerce & Industry) over closed businesses.
- Invitation expected: The location and date of the five-party have been decided
- Coronavirus: Scientific study showed 37 different genealogies in Cyprus
- Turkey with lawyers for the F-35 fighter (jets)
Main News
Five-party summit to take place end of April
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that the date and location for the informal five-party summit have been decided, with all papers pointing to the end of April and Phileleftheros pinpointing Geneva as the location.
Phileleftheros, citing information, reports that the UN is eyeing Geneva and the last week of April for the organisation of the informal five-party summit. Though an official announcement has yet to be issued, the paper reports that all parties have been informed of these new details.
Politis reports that the UNSG’s special envoy Jane Holl Lute is expected to visit the island ahead of the informal summit to discuss practical and other matters related to the five-party meeting.
Phileleftheros reports that despite the GC side’s cautious optimism, as expressed on Friday by government spokesman Kyriakos Koushios, several factors, including a toxic domestic political climate and the risk of ‘Turkish traps’ at the informal summit, signal a rocky road ahead.
Politis reports that both sides, as well as the UN, are keeping expectations low. Haravgi reports that the GC chief negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis said that the informal summit will serve to find common ground for the resumption of Crans Montana-type negotiations – with Mavroyiannis claiming that we were one step away from a solution at Crans Montana. However, Politis reports that Mavroyiannis said the aim at the informal summit is not to find common ground but to get the negotiations process rolling again. Politis reports that Mavroyiannis said the desired outcome of the summit is to secure agreement among all parities on the need to engage in substantive negotiations within the foreseeable future, with all parties in the meantime continuing preparations to create the appropriate groundwork.
Also a goal, Mavroyiannis said according to Politis, is to see formal negotiations resume within one to two months from the summit. Mavroyiannis said the common ground for negotiations will be secured through contacts and processes that are to follow the informal summit. It is at this point, he said, when Anastasiades’ proposals for confidence-building measures (CBM) will come in to play, as they will inform discussions that are to follow the summit and precede formal negotiations.
Haravgi adds that Mavroyiannis said the GC side will not be discussing a two-state solution nor a confederal solution, asserting that Nicosia will pursue a solution based on UN resolutions.
Alithia reports that, speaking to state broadcaster CyBC, Mavroyianns said that among the GC side’s goals are to find common ground to lead to substantive talks and to find a way out of issues like Famagusta and maritime zones. He warned that in the event of a non-solution, the Cyprus Problem risks being turned into a frozen conflict, which would lower international interest and could cast doubt on the presence of UNFICYP on the island. The papers report that Koushios announced that the GC side’s legal team, composed of constitutional experts, will meet again on Monday to continue preparations ahead of the informal summit.
Philelefheros and Alithia report on statements issued by the Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, who reiterated Turkey’s position that there is no longer any other solution to the Cyprus Problem besides two states. Akar referred to Turkey’s presence on the island as a “peace operation” which brought “peace, calmness and stability”, according to Phileleftheros. Akar also denounced “efforts by some to portray Turkey as a military presence in Cyprus”, stressing Turkey’s role as one of the three guarantor powers. Alithia adds that Akar said Greece’s armament programme may be futile but it only works to hike up tensions.
KEY ACTORS
Mavroyiannis
>> Cyprus was incredibly close to securing a solution in Crans Montana.
>> Informal summit will serve to secure agreement among all sides on the need for substantive talks, which he hopes will resume within 1-2 months.
>> GC side will not be discussing solutions based on two states or confederation, as it pursues solution in line with UN resolutions.
>> A non-solution would render Cyprob a frozen conflict with limited international interest and potential withdrawal of UNFICYP.
Akar (Turkey)
>> No solution other than two states.
>> Turkey’s presence in Cyprus not a military but a peace operation that works to the benefit of the island