Front Page Headlines
This is state-sponsored murder
A 15-year-old child worker dies in a ‘work accident’, leaving behind two brothers, grief-stricken parents and a ‘state’ that remained a bystander to his horrific death. Mahmut Gül was crushed to death under the engine he was working on at a car repair shop in Güzelyurt (Morphou). While Gül’s lifeless body was taken to the morgue in Nicosia, the mechanic who owns the shop was taken into police custody for questioning. The boy had recently graduated from middle school and was living in Kumköy (Syrianochori) in Güzelyurt (Morphou) district.
- Health Ministry: “Entry into indoor venues with PCR tests”
PCR required from now on for indoor venues
The number of positive coronavirus cases in the TRNC reached a record high yesterday, with 110 locally transmitted cases, 133 in total. The Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases announced new measures and new rules due to the surge.
- There is an independent state on the Turkish side of Cyprus and does not need anyone’s approval – Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay reacted to EC President Ursula von der Leyen’s words that “You can never talk about two equal states or a state in the northern part of the island” during her visit to South Cyprus.
The virus spreads after social distancing ignored
The sudden spike in the number of cases has caused panic. Health Minister Ünal Üstel said the reason behind the recent surge in case numbers was the public’s ignorance of social distancing rules. The number of cases reached three-digit levels. Moreover, the delta variant of coronavirus was also identified in our country, raising the question as to whether or not there might be another lockdown. Many organisations warn that a new lockdown will have catastrophic implications. Health Ministry announced new measures.
Harsh measures on the way
Health Minister Ünal Üstel said that they have introduced PCR test requirements every seven days for outdoor venues and every three days for indoor spaces. Venues that fail to comply will be closed for a week.
- Tears for Mahmut – A 15-year-old apprentice from Yayla (Syrianochori) working in a car repair shop died after an engine he was working on fell on him.
- Majority without vaccines –133 cases in the north, 993 in the south.
Forget about the election
The Tayyip Erdoğan regime threatened the opposition in our community with the Ali Bizden incident… Voters who will not vote in line with Ankara’s policies will be in danger from now on… The names on the ‘black-list which have been prepared in Turkey on those critical (of the regime in Turkey), have not been announced yet but it is believed that everyone who voted for Mustafa Akıncı during the elections would be on this list. Every election from now will be held under the shadow of this threat!
- Our constitution is also from Turkey – Nicosia Turkish Municipality Mayor Mehmet Harmancı said a new constitution is being prepared in Turkey for the TRNC, adding that local experts have already been consulted on the issue. “What we hear is that a special group within the Justice and Development Party (AKP) is preparing a new constitution for us,” Harmancı said.
Main News
Olgun: GC side must be pushed out of its comfort zone
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s Special Representative Ergün Olgun on Thursday said the Greek Cypriot side insistently rejected a settlement in Cyprus despite the fact it is well aware of the economic benefits a solution would bring.
“It is therefore now necessary to push the Greek Cypriot side out of its comfort zone and to pressure them (Greek Cypriots) into working for a solution,” Olgun stressed, adding that the developments on the issue of hydrocarbons and the Maraş (Varosha) initiative were good examples.
Speaking during a HaberKıbrıs web TV programme, Olgun reminded that the Greek Cypriots have been rejecting the Turkish Cypriot side’s co-management proposal and a proposal by Ankara to hold a regional conference to agree on the fair distribution of the hydrocarbon resources in the area.
He said the Greek Cypriot side was preparing to resume its unilateral activities by November or December despite the Turkish Cypriot side’s proposals made in goodwill. Olgun also pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side was continuously investing in arms or carrying out military drills with other countries.
“By doing so, the Greek Cypriot side is forcing the Turkish Cypriot side to take reciprocal steps,” Olgun argued, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side will soon announce new initiatives that will cause discomfort among the Greek Cypriot leadership.
Responding to a question on the Turkish Cypriot side’s two-state solution model, Olgun underlined the need to accurately define the two-state model. “It means there are two equal sides on Cyprus and equality means equal status between the two sides,” Olgun said, adding that if both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots have the freedom to decide on their future, it means they are sovereign.
“The sovereign equality between the two sides must be accepted legally,” Olgun stressed. He added that sovereign equality meant developing areas of collaboration with the Greek Cypriot side based on equal international status. “The negotiations can only be launched if the sovereign equality principle is accepted,” Olgun said, however adding that the Greek Cypriot side sees itself superior to Turkish Cypriots and more sovereign.
“It is not possible to have a sustainable relationship under such conditions,” Tatar’s special representative said. He stated that the Turkish Cypriot side was seeking recognition of equal sovereignty and not recognition of the two states.
Olgun also highlighted that the negotiations process up to Crans Montana was based on accepting the legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), and it was claimed that the RoC could not be divided but the communities could have certain powers.
“However, the current RoC is not the one established in 1960, and it is not possible to accept a state run by the Greek Cypriots under the pretext of a partnership republic,” Olgun argued.
He said that if history were to repeat itself, the Turkish Cypriot community would then be left without status. Olgun recalled similar arguments were also made during the Annan Plan referendum in 2004.
“There was sovereignty for the two sides through a play of words, ensuring the continuation of the RoC,” Olgun said, arguing that the founding states would have been transformed into constituent states.
“The Greek Cypriot side for decades is trying to impose its dominance over the Turkish Cypriot side whereas the Turkish Cypriot side wants a stronger foundation based on the legitimacy of the two sides,” Olgun argued.
He added should there be a problem between the sides, each side would revert to their legitimate side. Responding to a question on Maraş (Varosha) Initiative, Olgun said the Turkish Cypriot side’s initiative is directed at disrupting the Greek Cypriot side’s willingness to prolong the status quo on the island, adding that the privately owned properties have not been touched at all.
Olgun said the necessary legal and political conditions are being prepared for the right holders in Maraş (Varosha) to apply for the return of their properties through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC). He also argued that the Greek Cypriot community has been divided on the property issue.
He said that while the Greek Cypriot leadership is discouraging its citizens from applying to the IPC, independent lawyers are doing the opposite, urging property owners to apply to the IPC so as not to lose their rights.
Asked to comment on the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) proposal of appointing a new special adviser for the Cyprus problem, Olgun reiterated the Turkish side’s viewpoint and said there is already someone appointed for the task and added there is no need for a new adviser to be appointed.
Touching on the confidence-building measures (CBMs), Olgun said the Turkish and Greek Cypriot technical committees held online meetings every Monday. He also noted that the two sides have agreed on four points on CBMs. The first one will be that the CBMs will safeguard the two sides’ equality. Secondly, the CBMs will be structured in a way that will not allow one side to exert its authority over the other. Thirdly, CBMs will be decided via consensus and finally, the CBM will have to be mutually beneficial for both sides.
Olgun noted that many issues have been overcome in line with these four principles such as the reopening of the crossing points.
He noted that tourism is one of the issues taken up during the online meetings. He said the Turkish Cypriot side wants Cyprus to be marketed as a single destination and wants steps to be taken on the tourists who arrive in the south to cross to the north.
“The Greek Cypriot side does not allow non-EU citizens to cross to the north,” Olgun said, adding that meetings are being held to solve this issue. He added the Turkish Cypriot side wants to return to the old conditions whereby Russian and Israeli tourists were allowed to cross to the north before the pandemic. Olgun said 12 technical committees are working, meeting and producing ideas regularly.
KEY ACTORS
Olgun
>> GC side is reluctant about a solution despite knowing its economic benefits.
>> GCs must be pushed out of their comfort zone.
>> GCs rejection of TC proposals & insistence to take unilateral actions forcing TC side to take reciprocal steps.
>> Two-state solution model needs to be defined. TC side is not seeking recognition of two states but recognition of sovereign equality.
>> Sovereign equality means developing areas of collaboration with the GC side based on equal international status.
>>Talks can only be launched if the sovereign equality principle is accepted.
>> Maraş (Varosha) initiative is directed at disrupting the GC side’s willingness to prolong the status quo on the island.
>> Legal & political provisions are being prepared for the property holders in Maraş (Varosha) through the IPC.
>> No point in appointing a new special advisor as Lute is already assigned to the task.
>> Two sides working on CBMs such as marketing Cyprus as a single tourism destination.
Oktay: New round of negotiations can only be between two states
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay on Thursday reiterated that the new round of negotiations process can only be held between the two states on the island.
Speaking during a ceremony, Oktay added that the two states on the island are equal, sovereign and independent. “Our positions for a settlement on the island are very clear,” Oktay stressed, reiterating Ankara’s support for the Turkish Cypriots to continue their path in peace.
“We have not left the Turkish Cypriots on their righteous cause for a two-state solution on their own and we will not,” Oktay stressed, arguing that the Greek Cypriot side “has closed its ears and eyes to the realities on the island.”
Touching on the recent remarks by EC President Ursula von der Leyen on the EU not accepting a two-state solution, Oktay argued that the EU officials are very quiet on the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and the Aegean or against the increasing Islamophobia in Europe.
“We have not heard them comment on the discrimination directed against the Turkish Cypriots, but they talk too much when it is about the Turkish Cypriots’ equal rights and their sovereignty,” Oktay stressed, urging the international community to “never say never on the Cyprus issue.”
KEY ACTORS
Oktay (Turkey)
>> New round of talks can only be held between two states.
AKP Spokesman Çelik: Only a two-state solution possible in Cyprus
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesman Ömer Çelik on Thursday said there is no other way left in Cyprus other than a two-state solution. Speaking during a party gathering, he said that there is a sovereign and independent state in the north that is not a part of or an extension of South Cyprus.
Pointing to those who are disturbed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to the north to attend the July 20 ceremonies, Çelik said “all I have to say is that they should mind their own business. This does not concern them”. Explaining that as part of Turkey’s state policy, Çelik said the AKP will attend special occasions in the north, adding that to voice concern regarding such visits is nothing but disrespectful.
Noting that the EU does not look favourably towards a two-state solution on the island Çelik questioned the type of the solution model the bloc would prefer and approve of.
Recalling that in 2004 the EU did not keep its promises made to the Turkish Cypriots or to Turkey which supported a federal solution on the island but then accepted South Cyprus into the Union even though it has an unresolved problem, Çelik said that the current situation on the island is an outcome of the European Union’s decision to accept the maximalists approaches and impositions of South Cyprus.
Arguing that there are attempts to usurp the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey, Çelik reiterated “Turkey will continue to support the TRNC,” adding that a two-state solution is the only option on the island.
KEY ACTORS
Erdoğan (Turkey)
>> No other option left in Cyprus but a two-state solution.
>> Current situation in Cyprus is the EU’s doing.
>> Turkey will continue to support the ‘TRNC.’
Işıksal: Tatar’s solution vision has become a state policy
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar’s international relations and diplomacy advisor Prof Dr Hüseyin Işıksal said that Tatar’ vision for a solution which is backed by Turkey, has become a state policy that has been recorded at international platforms.
Speaking to Turkish news agency Anatolia, Işıksal, reiterating the Turkish Cypriot side’s arguments, said that the efforts to find a bicommunal, bizonal federation (BBF) have been exhausted.
Noting that it is necessary to go out of the known parameters to find a sustainable settlement on the island, Işıksal argued the main reason behind the lack of a solution on the island is the Greek Cypriot side’s recognition as the sole legitimate government on the island.
Işıksal argued that the Turkish Cypriot side tabled a sustainable solution plan during the informal five-plus-one informal meeting in Geneva, adding that the Turkish Cypriot side called for establishing collaboration between the two equal sides.
“The Turkish Cypriot side’s proposal has opened a new page in the negotiations process,” Işıksal argued, noting that Ankara is also fully supportive of the idea. Işıksal said the Turkish Cypriot side will not give up on its demands for sovereign equality and equal international status.
“If the goal is to establish peace on the island and bring stability to the Eastern Mediterranean, the key is the solution vision tabled by Tatar,” Işıksal said, adding that this is the only way to put an end to continuing injustice to the Turkish Cypriots and to establish a sustainable settlement on the island.
No changes in crossing procedures as stricter Covid19 measures arrive in the north
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Avrupa
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
Turkish Cypriot Higher Committee for Infectious Diseases on Thursday announced a series of stricter measures following a surge in daily case numbers on both sides of the divide. However, no changes were introduced to existing procedures at crossing points despite the fact the south was ‘downgraded’ to the ‘dark red’ zone for coronavirus in the latest update issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Thursday, after registering 493.13 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days.
The committee said that negative PCR or rapid antigen test obtained within the last seven days remained the only condition for the crossings on the island. The rule however only applies to Greek Cypriots and permanent residents of the RoC.
The passengers arriving from the UK or Russia will be required to present a negative PCR test obtained within the last 72 hours before their journey and regardless of their vaccination situation will be required to enter a ten-day mandatory quarantine upon their arrival.
Meanwhile, speaking to Turkish Cypriot news agency TAK, Turkish Cypriot Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr Düriye Deren Oygar said the bicommunal technical committee on health will meet on Friday to discuss the measures implemented at the crossings given the increasing number of cases on both sides of the divide.
She pointed out that while the procedures remain the same for the time being, the frequency of testing could be increased in the coming period.
“We expect to increase the number of tests and not a closure of the crossing points,” Oygar concluded. The Higher Committee on Thursday also announced that all customers or individuals wishing to dine at indoor spaces of restaurants will be required to present a negative PCR test. The committee said if the customer is fully vaccinated, s/he must present a PCR or rapid antigen test obtained within the last seven days and if not vaccinated, the tests must be obtained within the last 72 hours.
The rule applies to outdoor areas of bars and clubs as well. PCR tests will also be required for indoor areas of coffee houses, internet cafes, betting offices, nightclubs, theatres, concerts, exhibition halls, cinema halls, indoor and outdoor pools, close contact sports competitions, indoor gyms, amusement parks and places of worship.