Front Page Headlines
Early elections dominate the political agenda
The National Unity Party (UBP)-Democratic Party (DP)-Rebirth Party (YDP) coalition government which was formed to hold early elections in October and which called on the opposition to set a date for the elections has now changed its position triggering reactions from political circles. The head of the Supreme Court Narin Ferdi Şefik said that unless a decision is adopted by parliament, the High Electoral Council will be required to set a date for interim elections by mid-April for the end of June. Prime Minister Ersan Saner: “I wish the head of the Supreme Court spoke with me first. We will be discussing the issue with the parties to make the final decision.” Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman: “We need to hold early elections by June!”
- Covid-19 test every 11 seconds for every passenger arriving from Larnaca Airport – Preparations for the new tourism season in May.
Zero tolerance for violence
Not a single day passes in our country without a case of violence against women. Social Services expert Gizem Ercantan says that the women whom they work with warn them that the dose of violence is increasing. She added that despite the laws in place, they are experiencing difficulties in enforcing them.
- Two more sectors reopened – Betting offices and gyms reopened after a long period.
- Cut back on your luxurious expenses – The public sector trade unions, civil servants and pensioners reacted to Finance Minister Dursun Oğuz’s statement on freezing the cost-of-living allowance payment for four more months.
- The AKP’s new MYK – The Justice and Development Party (AKP) held its seventh congress yesterday. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected as the party’s leader and the new central executive board (MYK) was also announced.
Dragged into an early election
While the government refrains from setting a date for early elections, which has been on the agenda since the presidential elections, it is now faced with pressure for holding an “interim election” as the Constitution dictates. The CTP General Secretary Erdoğan Sorakın said the government does not have anything to offer to the public and added an early election has become unavoidable. He said the CTP recommends holding an early election in June. The YDP Erhan Arıklı said his party will not shy away from an early election, revealing plans to hold an early election by October. The UBP leader Ersan Saner said they will finalise the issue once they discuss the matter within the party and with the heads of other political parties.
- AKP continues with Erdoğan – The Justice and Development Party (AKP) held its seventh congress yesterday in Ankara. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was re-elected as the party’s leader. Significant changes were made in the party’s central executive board (MYK).
- TDP and AKEL: Federation – Social Democratic Party (TDP) and AKEL delegations held a meeting. It was announced the two parties agree on the federal solution.
- Weird behaviour by two British citizens – Five Somalians and two British citizens were arrested while trying to flee to the south from the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing.
We are in real trouble
A 15 per cent hike is coming to electricity prices due to an increase in costs. The Minister for Energy and Economy Erhan Arıklı denied claims that KIB-TEK will run out of fuel in two weeks and said the tender for purchasing fuel for the power station will be completed by the end of the month. He said there is enough fuel to last until the end of April. Arıklı who spoke to Diyalog said that an increase in electricity prices was inevitable due to the rise in fuel costs. He said that unfortunately, the increase will affect low-income groups.
- Europe becomes a fantasy – Seven individuals, five Somali nationals and two UK nationals caught red-handed as they try to cross to the south illegally.
One destitute needs the other destitute
The government has lost it after the money expected from Turkey did not arrive. Tayyip Erdoğan urged the people to deposit their gold or money in foreign currencies in the country’s various financial instruments to help the economy. He said: “Don’t believe those who claim that Turkey has gone bankrupt.” The government in the TRNC on the other hand, which can only pay the salaries by taking out loans, has gone haywire over which austerity measures it will adopt… It has decided to cease providing free meals for pandemic doctors, froze the cost-of-living increment, failed to pay the ₺1500(€157) salary-support scheme payments and placed civil servants at public departments which generate state revenues at the top of the vaccination list.
- He annihilated democracy in 18 years – Reactions to (Turkish President) Recep Tayyip Erdoğan growing… Kenneth Roth, head of Human Rights Watch, said: “Erdoğan destroyed all democratic norms in Turkey in 18 years.”
Main News
GC side’s restrictions at crossings aimed at choking TC economy, says Özersay
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process, Migration & Citizenship
OVERVIEW
The leader of the People’s Party (HP) Kudret Özersay on Wednesday accused the Greek Cypriot authorities of using irregular migration as an excuse to deal a blow to the Turkish Cypriot economy.
Speaking on ADA TV, Özersay recalled that the Greek Cypriot side had first imposed restrictions at crossing points claiming that irregular migrants were using them to cross to the south. He added the Greek Cypriot side then amended the Green Line Trade regulation (GLR) unilaterally prohibiting people from crossing into the north.
Özersay admitted that illegal migrants were a problem but pointed out that was not happening through the crossing points. “Now the Greek Cypriot administration has installed a razor-wire fence along the buffer zone with the same excuse,” Özersay said, arguing that the Greek Cypriot authorities contradicted their earlier claims that the migrants made their way to the south through the crossing points.
“It has become evident now that the Greek Cypriot side’s goal is to economically strangulate the north,” Özersay concluded.
Also on Wednesday, Özersay and an accompanying delegation were received by the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar as part of ongoing meetings with the Turkish Cypriot political parties ahead of the upcoming UN-led informal five-plus-one meeting.
In a social media post after the meeting, Özersay said the HP will continue to assist the Turkish Cypriot side with their viewpoints, recommendations and criticisms.
He also noted that he shared his opinions on possible areas of collaboration between the two sides during the meeting. Özersay concluded by stating that HP sees the Cyprus problem as a societal issue and will continue to support the process.
KEY ACTORS
Özersay (HP)
>> GC authorities using illegal migration as an excuse to choke TC economy.
>> GC side contradicted its earlier claims that migrants used crossing points by installing barb wire fence in sections of the buffer zone.
>> HP will continue to assist TC leadership on Cyprob by sharing its views.
Cavuşoğlu: EU can take part in talks as an observer, if and when a new process starts
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on Wednesday said the EU can be part of the negotiations process if and when a new round is launched, reminding that the upcoming five-plus-one meeting will only be an informal gathering.
Çavuşoğlu, speaking to reporters in Brussels after a NATO meeting, said Turkey, as guarantor country had a constructive approach ahead of the five-plus-one, adding “we are very determined to protect Turkish Cypriots’ rights.”
He also said the EU, instead of supporting the activities of the Greek Cypriots and Greece that “exclude” the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, should act as a “sincere mediator” for the fair sharing of resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. Çavuşoğlu, referring to his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, noted that the two guarantor nations also exchanged ideas on the upcoming informal meeting.
“We will attend the summit with the Turkish Cypriot side with a constructive approach, but we know very well what we want. We know very well what has happened in the last 53 years and what will not happen. We are realistic, we are not naïve. But everyone will share their opinion in this meeting,” he said.
Speaking about the EU leaders’ summit, Çavuşoğlu said the bloc should “stop playing for time” and take concrete steps to improve positive momentum in ties. Çavuşoğlu added the “The EU has to keep its promises,” pointing to the issues of visa liberalisation and the upgrading of the customs union agreement as well as referring to pledges under a 2016 migrant deal under which Turkey curbed migrant flows to Europe in exchange for financial aid.
His remarks came a day before an EU summit where the leaders of the member states will discuss relations with Ankara based on a report prepared by Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
KEY ACTORS
Çavuşoğlu (Turkey)
>> EU can be part of talks on Cyprob as an observer if & when a new process is launched but the 5+1 meeting is an informal gathering.
>> Turkey will be attending the 5+1 with a constructive attitude.
>> EU should act as a sincere mediator for fair distribution of East Med resources.
>> All sides will be able to share their opinions at the 5+1 meeting.
>> EU should take concrete steps to build on current positive momentum on Turkey-EU ties.
>> EU must keep its promises on visa liberalisation & upgrading customs union agreement.
AKEL visits the TDP & Akıncı
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou and head of the party’s department in charge of Cyprus Problem Office Toumazos Tselepis on Wednesday paid separate visits to the Social Democratic Party (TDP) and the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı ahead of the five-plus-one conference on the Cyprus problem.
Speaking to the press following the meeting, the leaders of AKEL and TDP reaffirmed their position in favour of a bicommunal, bizonal federal (BBF) solution based on the political equality of the two communities, adding that the pro-BBF parties must intensify their efforts towards reunification of the island.
TDP leader Cemal Özyiğit, in his remarks, added that the outcome of the Berlin trilateral following the collapse of the Crans Montana process “gave hope to the communities,” reiterating that the comprehensive settlement must include a rotational presidency, effective-participation in the decision making process and must respect the February 2014 Joint Declaration and the June 30, 2017 dated Guterres framework.
Özyiğit also noted that the Turkish Cypriot community was yet to receive the due amount of the EU vaccines and asked AKEL to launch initiatives in this regard. He also raised the Hellim (Halloumi) issue, noting that the party is closely following the efforts put forward by AKEL MEP Niyazi Kızılyürek.
Kyprianou, for his part, said the upcoming Geneva conference was of critical importance for the future of all Cypriots.
“We all have to do our best to keep the hope of unifying our homeland alive,” Kyprianou said, adding that the only solution model the two communities has agreed on is the BBF in line with the UN parameters. However, he added, “Both Turkey and (Turkish Cypriot leader) Mr Ersin Tatar must give up on their unacceptable demands and (Greek Cypriot leader) Mr Nicos Anastasiades must adhere to a BBF solution.”
Noting that AKEL had called on the Greek Cypriot leader to launch initiatives towards a comprehensive settlement, Kyprianou called on Ankara and Tatar to open the way for negotiations to reach a BBF solution.
“Cyprus and Cypriots must be reunified,” Kyprianou stressed, urging all Cypriots in favour of the desired solution to give a strong message to the two leaders to act with the goal of reaching a comprehensive settlement.
Additionally, the AKEL delegation also visited the former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı on Wednesday.
In a social media post following the meeting, Akıncı said they had exchanged opinions on the upcoming five-plus-one meeting as well as other issues regarding Cyprus and the region.
KEY ACTORS
Özyiğit (TDP)
>> Berlin trilateral gave hope to the two communities after the collapse of talks in Crans Montana.
>> Settlement must include effective participation in decision-making processes, rotational presidency & respect past convergences.
Kyprianou (AKEL)
>> 5+1 meeting of critical importance for Cypriots.
>> Both Turkey & TC leader Tatar must abandon their unacceptable demands, Anastasiades must adhere to a BBF.
>> All Cypriots desiring a solution must give a strong message to the leaders.
Strong legislation needed to overcome problems in Hellim (Halloumi)
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Economy
OVERVIEW
The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KTSO) on Wednesday said there was uncertainty looming over the registration process of Hellim (Halloumi) as a product designation of origin (PDO). The chamber urged the authorities to seek assurances from the EU as well as a written road map backed by strong legislation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KTSO urged the authorities to “put aside their political differences” and tackle the issue from a technical point of view protecting the rights of the Turkish Cypriot producers.
“We want to see a road plan with a strong legal basis and without any uncertainties,” the chamber stressed. Noting that the KTSO is “cautiously optimistic” regarding the latest statements made on the Cypriot cheese, the chamber underlined that it has been striving to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriot producers since 2007.
The KTSO also argued that there is only talk about possible amendments to the Green Line Trade (GLR) regulation to allow the Turkish Cypriot producers to enter the European market but nothing has emerged on paper so far.
Recalling the details of the 2015 agreement reached between the two Cypriot leaders at the time, the KTSO said contrary to the provisions of the said agreement, the Greek Cypriot side signed a unilateral cooperation agreement with the inspection company Bureau Veritas.
Also accusing the EU of not being transparent with the KTSO, the chamber noted one of the provisions of the 2015 agreement dictated the lifting of the obstacles in the GLR on Hellim (Halloumi) simultaneously with the PDO registration.
The chamber also argued that there is no clarity either on an impartial, independent health inspection system or on a conflict-resolution mechanism. KTSO concluded its statement by urging the EU institutions to give the Turkish Cypriot producers assurances and identify a road plan with a legal basis to safeguard the rights of the Turkish Cypriot producers.
Meanwhile, the KTSO together with the civil society organisations (CSOs) operating in the dairy production and livestock breeding sectors will issue a press statement on Thursday, at 12:30 pm at the Ledra Palace crossing point.
In a joint statement issued, the KTSO and participating CSOs urged the European Commission to adopt its decisions fairly and equitably based on the realities of the island and without forgetting that the Hellim (Halloumi) belongs to the two communities in Cyprus.
The statement noted Hellim (Halloumi), which is one of the most important socio-economic assets of the Turkish Cypriots, constitutes 37.5 per cent of all exports, and 55,000 people in the north make a living.
Seven arrested while trying to flee to the south
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Five Somalians and two British citizens were caught while they were trying to cross to the south through military zones in Nicosia.
The police officer in charge of the investigation informed the court the five Somalians were trying to cross to the south at Yiğitler Burcu (Roca Bastion) on Tuesday evening. The two British citizens were arrested on March 24 while trying to cross to the south through the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) crossing.
The court ordered the suspects, who will be charged with violating a first-degree military zone and breaking the night-time curfew, to be remanded in custody until police conclude their investigations.