Front Page Headlines
The squaring of the circle got a two-three month extension
A shipwreck in Geneva was avoided and curtain closed without finding common ground.
- Yiorkadjis Foundation: Disputes Lyssarides’ claim involving 550 thousand pounds
- Osypa: Re-raises matter of T/C strip of land
- Lockdown: The vaccination rhythm will affect its span
- Nicosia: Licensing of two towers
- European Parliament: Green light to vaccination certificate
- Coronavirus: Israelis avoiding us
He got ahead of the storm
Guterres avoided a shipwreck – Turkey’s demand for sovereignty on the table. President of the Republic satisfied by UNSG’s stance.
- New arrival of 18 illegal immigrants from the occupied territories
- Scathing comments by investigative committee: Whatever intermediaries sent for passports they accepted
- Vaccinations by private doctors too for GESY beneficiaries
New effort in 2-3 months with dangers to remain
Guterres did not accept a two-state solution and points to resolutions and decisions of the Security Council.
- GCs and TCs deserve to live together under conditions of peace and wellbeing
- Excavations at 10 military areas for location of missing persons
- Enclaved: They left them without their loved ones over Easter
- Personal doctors begin vaccinations with 17,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses
- ‘European Covid-19 certificate’ being promoted with a validity of 12 months
UN: Not enough common ground
Guterres says Geneva meeting was not an ‘easy’ one, hopes will be another soon.
- Hospital Covid admissions are stabilising, ministry says
Guterres: I’m not giving up, rendezvous in two-three months
Cyprus problem on life support. The UNSG announced a new five-party hoping that he’ll manage to… square the circle.
- Anastasiades’ praises to Guterres
- The Turks blew everything up!
- Two more deaths and 688 new cases
Main News
Guterres: Not enough common ground but efforts continue
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The informal five-party summit wrapped up in Geneva on Thursday with UN Secretary General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres stating common ground could not be found among parties to re-start negotiations, but said new efforts will be made in a few months.
Speaking at the end of the last session Thursday morning, and after referring to the divergent positions of the two sides, Guterres said: “This was not an easy meeting.”
Cyprus Mail reports that Guterres said that the TCs feel that talks on a bizonal bicommunal federation (BBF) framework have been exhausted while GCs feel that the talks should continue from where they left off in Crans-Montana in 2017 based on a BBF. He added that TCs believe they have inherent sovereign equality, and the solution should be based on two states.
Politis reports that Guterres said that as Secretary General, he has a mandate from the UN Security Council (UNSC), and as such he must call for formal negotiations on the basis of the terms of his mandate. But, he said, in an informal meeting convened without pre-conditions, it is useful for all representations to express their positions.
“But I do not give up,” he added, stressing that his agenda is strictly to fight for the security and well-being of the GCs and the TCs, that he said deserve to live in peace and prosperity together. Politis writes this served to mount pressure on all side by highlighting the interest of the people of Cyprus beyond the political interests of leaders. Guterres said the UN are determined to do everything they can to make this dialogue move on and reach positive results.
European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano said the EU welcomes Guterres’ announcement and continues to support the UN’s efforts to create the best possible conditions for the next meeting, Haravgi and Phileleftheros report. Guterres’ announcement and the commitment from all parties to re-convene in the near future was also welcomed by UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who said the UK would continue to work with all parties to search for a fair and lasting solution.
The dailies report that Guterres ensured that a collapse of the Geneva process was avoided and did his best to keep a positive outlook, announcing that a new five-party meeting will take place within two to three months. Guterres said there would be consultations before the next meeting as there was before Geneva with the aim of trying to create as much as possible the conditions to allow for the next one to be successful, Cyprus Mail reports.
Phileleftheros reports that a proposal by Guterres for the appointment of a permanent representative who would focus on getting negotiations to resume fell through after it was rejected by both TC leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, with the paper noting that this was because they saw such a development as enhancing the process. The paper reports that Anastasiades said the rejection was linked with claims for two states and sovereign equality, since the representative would be preparing the groundwork for a solution within the agreed-upon framework. Phileleftheros reports that the Jane Holl Lute will remain at the helm as the UNSG’s special envoy, with new trips being scheduled for May for contacts with all parties before the UNSG begins drafting reports for the UNSC. The paper clarifies citing information that Guterres will not be drafting a separate report on Geneva, but will include developments there in his regular report for the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate to be submitted to the UNSC in July.
President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his satisfaction with the way Guterres handled the demands of the Turkish side for a two-state solution, which he said violates the UN mandate for a settlement. Anastasiades said Guterres kept an “impeccable stance” and made clear to both the TC side and Turkey that a two-state solution cannot be accepted by the UN or the EU. He added that, given the circumstances, and the Turkish side’s demands both Guterres and the GC side had successfully managed the situation to prevent the achievement of the goals set by Turkey. Politis reports that the summit’s outcome favoured Anastasiades, since a collapse would have raised the issue of the GC side’s lack of flexibility in the face of the Turkish side’s intransigence. The paper writes that neither side would be so chipper if Guterres had declared an end to the process and assigned blame to both sides for an impasse.
Anastasiades also thanked the Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, for his support and for being in full coordination with the GC side’s efforts. He also said that the British delegation was also “moving towards the same direction” and that, despite some other views they may have, “in none of their positions did they go beyond the framework set by the UN or the agreed solution basis.”
“During our presence here, our side with absolute consistency in what it has proclaimed so far, has projected but also with constructive proposals has contributed to achieve a lot of convergences,” Anastasiades said. He also said, that at the same time, “through substantiated positions, we have refuted public allegations by the Turkish Cypriot community or the Turkish side about (our) contempt or indifference to the position or insecurity felt by the Turkish Cypriot community.”
In view of the document submitted by Tatar outlining his proposal for a two-state solution, Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades will be providing his response to the document in writing to the UNSG. The paper writes that Anastasiades is also planning to write similar letters to the EU and the UNSC P5.
Tatar and Cavusoglu both said they would not back down from their position on a two-state solution on the island, with both agreeing that any new round of negotiations must be between two states and not two communities. Cavusoglu also accused Anastasiades of being like “a broken record” arguing he did not bring anything new to the table. Anastasiades jokingly responded that it seems Cavusoglu is still stuck “in the era of gramophones” since today there are more modern media generating music.
Anastasiades said that he did bring to the table a series of confidence-building measures (CBMs) to which the Turkish side reacted saying they did not go to the informal summit to discuss CBMs, despite his argument this could be a game changer. Anastasiades said that the CBMs he proposed would in fact, lift this feeling of isolation the TCs feel because both Famagusta port and the Tymbou airport would open to international markets.
Cyprus Mail reports that the CBMs he referred to, concern Varosha being brought under UN administration to allow the return of the lawful owners and Tymbou airport going being brought under UN so that it could open to international destinations and lift the so-called isolation of the TCs. He also suggested the operation of the Famagusta port under EU rules and the creation of an escrow account where the share of the proceeds from the exploitation of natural resources for the TCs will be deposited. TCs will be able to withdraw money from this fund under the condition that Turkey will not question Cyprus’ EEZ because this affects both GCs and TCs.
After the summit was over, Tatar said he would not go to talks without the north’s sovereign equality being recognised. Alithia reports that Tatar said he would not be sitting at a negotiations table with old terms and preconditions. The paper writes that Tatar also said that changing UN parameters would not be difficult, with Turkey to offer assistance on the matter by mounting pressure on Britain, a permanent member of the UNSC. Tatar said it is clear that the GC side’s aim is a continuation of the Republic of Cyprus through a solution of their liking, which will involve constitutional changes that would see TCs being lumped into today’s Republic of Cyprus, resulting in the TC side’s ties with Turkey being broken, Alithia reports. Tatar said the TC side will not be entering such a game, since TCs have established their own ‘state’ and no one can force them to abandon it.
On Anastasiades’ CBMs he said among other things, that the fact that the GC leader offered his own approval for the opening of Varosha and the Tymbou airport under UN administration, was an insult to TCs. He also said that they could discuss CBMs in Cyprus not during the talks in Geneva. Tatar also said he was going back home “with peace of mind.”
Politis suggests that the suggestion of CBMs alone was not enough to creatively tackle the claims being tabled by Turkey and the TC side, noting that if the GC side goes to the next five-party meeting with more CBMs and nothing else to propose, then the collapse will be final. But even then, Politis writes that Anastasiades has already prepared a way out, reporting that he said that if Turkey and the TC side continue to table claims that are unacceptable and outside the agreed-upon basis, then there won’t be another five-party meeting. Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades warned against new faits accomplis, which he said would be reason for non-participation in any such efforts to be undertaken by the UNSG.
On his part, Dendias said after the summit that Greece had arrived with the aim of creating conditions that would allow negotiations to resume on the UNSC-prescribed basis of a BBF. Dendias said Greece underlined that any solution outside these parameters must be in full accord with the EU acquis, adding that Greece held a constructive stance and worked together with the GC side to achieve this goal.
KEY ACTORS
Guterres (UN)
>> No common ground could be found among parties at the Geneva 5+1, which was not an easy meeting
>> Heard positions of both sides: TCs feel BBF-based talks have been exhausted, believe they have inherent sovereign equality, and are seeking a two-state solution, while GCs seek continuation of BBF-based talks from where they left off in Crans-Montana
>> Mandate requires that formal negotiations must be based on BBF
>> Will not give up, both communities deserve to to live together in peace and prosperity
>> Will call for new 5+1 within 2-3 months
Anastasiades
>> UNSG & GC side handled the 5+1 well and prevented Turkey from achieving its goals
>> UNSG made clear to the TC side & Turkey that a two-state solution cannot be accepted by the UN or the EU
>> Claims by Turkey & TC side are unacceptable and outside agreed-upon basis
>> GC side remained consistent with proclaimed positions and submitted constructive proposals for CBMs
>> Through substantiated positions the GC side countered public allegations by TC side & Turkey regarding GC side’s indifference to the position or insecurity felt by TCs
>> TC side & Turkey rejected UNSG’s proposal for appointment of special representative to prepare groundwork for new meeting due to demands for sovereign equality & two states
>> Greece was fully coordinated with GC side’s positions
>> UK also moving in same direction as GC side, despite some other views they have, but still remain within UN framework
>> Any new faits accomplis by Turkey would be reason for non-participation in any new initiatives to be taken by UNSG
Tatar
>> Will not back down from two-state solution position
>> Will not go to formal talks unless north’s sovereign equality is recognised
>> Changing UN parameters will not be difficult, with Turkey to offer assistance on the matter by mounting pressure on Britain
>> It is clear that the GC side’s aim is a continuation of the RoC through a solution of their liking, which will involve constitutional changes that would see TCs being lumped into today’s RoC, resulting in the TC side’s ties with Turkey being broken
>> TCs have established their own ‘state’ and no one can force them to abandon it
>> CBMs proposed by Anastasiades an insult to TCs
Cavusoglu (Turkey)
>> Negotiations must involve two states, not two communities
>> Anastasiades had nothing new to bring to the table
Stano (EU)
>> EU welcomes UNSG’s announcement and continues to support the UN’s efforts to create the best possible conditions for the next meeting
Raab (UK)
>> UK welcomes UNSG’s announcement & all sides’ commitment to re-convene in near future
>> UK will continue to work with all parties to search for a fair and lasting solution
Dendias (Greece)
>> Greece had arrived with the aim of creating conditions that would allow negotiations to resume on the UNSC-prescribed basis of a BBF
>> Greece underlined that any solution outside UN parameters must be in full accord with the EU acquis
>> Greece held a constructive stance and worked together with the GC side to achieve goals
Political parties issue contrasting reactions to Geneva outcome
Alithia, Haravgi, Politis
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report on the spectrum of reactions issued by parties after the informal five-party summit wrapped up without common ground being found.
DISY President Averof Neophytou tweeted that the window of hope remains and that despite the positions of Turkey and the TC side, efforts continue. Neophytou said the UN, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the EU do not accept a two-state solution.
Alithia reports AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou expressed disappointment that a positive development was not achieved but welcomed the UN Secretary General’s (UNSG) clarification that his mandate does not allow him to entertain any other solution framework than a bi-zonal bicommunal federation (BBF). Politis adds that Kyprianou said that it is important that the process remains alive, but stressed that the GC side now has some serious thinking to do. The paper writes that Kyprianou also questioned what good a new informal five-party meeting will do if it will only serve to see the same positions being repeated.
Haravgi reports that AKEL will be drawing up a proposal that it will submit to President Nicos Anastasiades on how to handle the situation as it has unfolded after the informal summit.
Politis reports that on the other side of the spectrum, DIKO, EDEK, Solidarity and the Greens expressed strong hesitation of the summit’s outcome, which they viewed as negative. The parties, according to Politis, believe that a second informal meeting in a few months will only serve Turkey, which will by that time have emerged unscathed and with funding from the upcoming European Council.
Alithia reports DIKO leader Nicholas Papadopoulos described the summit’s outcome as particularly disappointing, noting that his party’s concerns and predictions proved to be correct. He said it is time everyone realises the need to create costs for Turkey to prevent new unpleasant developments.
Solidarity said the decision for a new five-party summit in two to three months obviously satisfies Turkey, which is looking ahead to the European Council summit on June 24, Alithia reports.
The paper adds that the Greens said Turkey’s unacceptable partitionist demands became a given during negotiations, noting that there was no condemnation on the part of the UNSG regarding a two-state solution. Politis reports that the Greens also characterised the UNSG as an “incorrigible balancer”.
Alithia reports that ELAM said Geneva revealed for the umpteenth time Turkey’s intransigence and strategy, which is purposely leading to new concessions. The party also said the five-party was anything but informal.
DIPA viewed as positive the fact that Tukey’s positions for a two-state solution did not receive a positive response from the UNSG, the UNSC P5 and the EU.
KEY ACTORS
Neophytou (DISY)
>> Window of hope remains
>> Despite the positions of Turkey & TC side, efforts continue
>> UN, the UNSC P5 & EU do not accept a two-state solution
Kyprianou (AKEL)
>> Outcome disappointing but UNSG’s clarification that his mandate only allows for BBF solution positive
>> Process remains alive, which is important, but what good will a new 5+1 do if same positions are repeated
Papadopoulos (DIKO)
>> Summit outcome disappointing
>> DIKO’s concerns and predictions proved to be correct
>> Costs need to be created for Turkey if positive developments are to be achieved
Solidarity
>> New 5+1 in 2-3 months will only serve Turkey which will have already benefited from the June EUCO
Greens
>> Turkey’s unacceptable partitionist demands became a given during negotiations
>> Disappointed that UNSG, an incorrigible balancer, did not condemn 2-state solution proposal
ELAM
>> Geneva revealed for the umpteenth time Turkey’s intransigence and strategy, which is purposely leading to new concessions
>> 5+1 was anything but informal
DIPA
>> Views as positive that Tukey’s positions for a two-state solution did not receive a positive response from the UNSG, the UNSC P5 and the EU
Remains of six persons exhumed by CMP so far this year
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
CBMs
OVERVIEW
During the month of April the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) has exhumed additional human remains at an excavation site in Bellapais in the north, bringing the total number of persons recovered at this location to three.
In a press release, the CMP said that so far this year they have exhumed the remains of six persons across the island. Excavations continue throughout Cyprus at seven sites.
The CMP said since January this year, it identified 12 missing persons despite losing 41 working days due to Covid-19 related movement restrictions in January and February.
The CMP said that it was also informed on Thursday that Covid-19 related access restrictions, which had been in place for one year, were lifted at 10 military sites in the north. The committee is making preparations to conduct excavations at these locations shortly.
Irregular migrants cross into Republic via north
Phileleftheros
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Phileleftheros reports that 18 irregular migrants from Syria were smuggled into the Tylliria area from Limnitis in the north.
The paper reports that the migrants had arrived in Limnitis late on Wednesday night on a small vessel that had set sail from a Turkish port.
The migrants included 15 men and one woman with her two small children. They were spotted early on Thursday as they were attempting to cross into government-controlled areas through an unsupervised spot along the Limnitis Buffer Zone.
The paper reports that the migrants were transferred by police to a gathering point where medical checks were conducted before authorities began to take down their details and pose questions regarding their arrival to the Republic.
Phileleftheros reports that the migrants said that they had been waiting for days at a Turkish coast until weather conditions were appropriate for smugglers to transport them to Cyprus. They said they paid 3,000 dollars for the transport. They were dropped off in Limnitis in the north, from where collaborators of their smugglers helped them cross over into Kato Pyrgos. The paper reports that the smuggler appears to have managed to make the return trip to Turkey on the boat.
The 18 arrivals were transferred to the Nicosia reception centre.