Front Page Headlines
ICUs are filling up with unvaccinated people
88% of those being treated at hospitals with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated.
- President Anastasiades: He took the veto out of the sheath again
- Cyprus-Israel: They’re now promoting a… six-party meeting
- Governor’s beach: The fiery nightmare returned
They cut the ‘British tail’
A powerful bloc within the Security Council overturned the plans of the British during the vote for UNFICYP. New diplomatic thriller in New York.
- Messages to Turkey from the tripartite in Athens: Cyprus, Greece, Jordan agreed to deepen their relations in the name of peace
- Many fires broke out at noon
Unemployed and self-employed left out of schemes
Pressure is rising for workers in very small businesses too.
- Cyprus problem: The President isn’t being persuasive that he wants talks when he’s opening convergences
- UNFICYP vote: Intense backstage and changes to the text which is being decided on today
- Barrage of fires… The camping area and residences in Pentakomo were threatened
England eases EU entry rules
England scraps quarantine for fully vaccinated EU, US visitors
- UK bows to pressure over Unficyp mandate
- (photo caption) Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Nicos Anastasiades at the trilateral summit which was held in Athens on Wednesday
- New drones for fire service to boost firefighting capabilities
British tricks for UNFICYP failed
The changes requested by Cyprus were satisfied. USA, China, India, Ireland and all country members of the Security Council supported Cyprus against British schemes. The resolution is being adopted today after many changes.
- Anastasiades: A veto against Turkey isn’t being ruled out – Criticisms against Britain and Elizabeth Spehar
- Greece-Cyprus-Jordan: The tripartite against Turkey over Varosha
- Threatened residences: Raging fire yesterday at Governor’s beach
Main News
Cyprus gets sought revisions to UNFICYP text despite UK hurdles
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Britain succumbed to pressure from all other members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to accept the requested amendments to the draft resolution renewing UNFICYP’s mandate, expected to be put to vote on Thursday, the dailies report.
Early on Wednesday morning, Britain sent an amended draft, which was put to the body’s ‘silent procedure’ until 1 pm (8 pm Cyprus time), before taking its final form and being forwarded for adoption on Thursday. Cyprus pushed for three changes and succeeded with the support of the other members, mainly the US, China, India and Ireland, Cyprus Mail reports.
In paragraph three of the preamble of the resolution which refers to the informal 5+1 summit that took place in Geneva last April, penholder Britain had noted that the UNSC notes with regret that ‘the two sides failed to find sufficient common ground for the resumption of informal negotiations’. This was changed to regret that ‘sufficient common ground could not be found at the meeting to allow for the resumption of formal negotiations at this time’.
In paragraph four, on which the biggest backstage battle was fought, a reference was removed that the common ground sought is to address the concerns of both sides. Most important for Nicosia, however, was the removal from the end of the same paragraph of a phrase added by Britain. To the reference on the parameters of a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF) as defined by the relevant resolutions, Britain had added that ‘these parameters are broad enough to cover a number of practical and legal regulations.’ This phrase was removed. It now reads: ‘these parameters provide a clear framework for a range of arrangements.’
Phileleftheros reports that while the majority of UNSC members reacted to paragraph four’s wording, the USA, Russia, China, France, Ireland, Mexico and Estonia demanded that the wording is changed to mirror the paragraph dealing with a Cyprus solution as agreed upon after intense deliberations back in January.
The third amendment, which was accepted, concerns the seventh paragraph of the preamble which is about Varosha. A reference to the UNSC’s recent Presidential statement of July 23 was added and it is noted that the statement condemns the announcement on July 20 by Turkish and TC leaders on Varosha and calls for the immediate reversal of this course of action. Phileleftheros reports that the US was particularly insistent on this amendment, and particularly the inclusion of a reference to the accountability of both Turkey and the TC leadership as regards developments in Varosha. China, France, India, Ireland and Esthonia supported the US on this.
Phileleftheros, citing information, reports that Britain’s moves rounded up intense reaction from the majority of UNSC members, with the US proving to be a particularly strong ally for Nicosia once again. Haravgi and Alithia report that Britain has over the past few months been pushing for a broader interpretation of resolutions, which it views as obstacles to the resumption of talks.
The vote on the final text will see the UNFICYP mandate renewed for one more year, while the UN Secretary General (UNSG) will be asked to submit a report on his Good Offices mission in Cyprus every six months.
Anastasiades says not ruling out veto of EU-Turkey positive agenda
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Phileleftheros, Politis
EU Matters, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
President Nicos Anastasiades has left open the possibility of either vetoing the EU’s positive agenda towards Turkey or pushing for the adoption of new sanctions against Ankara, he said in an interview with the Greek service of Euronews published on Wednesday according to the dailies.
Anastasiades noted that depending on how Turkey behaves, “nothing is ruled out”, whether this would involve a veto on the positive agenda or whether there were measures that could be adopted by Europe. “Unfortunately,” he said, in Europe, there were “interests beyond principles and values”.
Referring to Tuesday’s statement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell on Varosha, he said that theoretical solidarity is on the one hand a positive message, but if it is not accompanied by practical measures, it remains a statement of intent with no effect, the dailies write.
Anastasiades also criticised both the UK and the UN Secretary General’s (UNSG) special representative in Cyprus, Elizabeth Spehar, who reportedly spoke at the UN Security Council (UNSC) about UN resolutions that should not be restrictive. Anastasiades said that it is no coincidence that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is not intimidated, since “there are some who have the impression that he can even translate [UN] resolutions.”
He also said that similar interpretations or similar efforts by Britain “to find a compromise” were not helpful. He called them “ideas that are considered to be bridging, but which in essence gradually satisfy what Turkey is seeking”. As a result, he said, “instead of restricting arbitrariness, they increase revisionism, aggression and illegal actions in general.”
Regarding the proposal by UNSG Antonio Guterres for a new informal meeting between the GC and the TC side, Anastasiadis said this would become clear in September when he meets with Guterres. He reiterated however, that “the Secretary General should not be looking for common ground, because it already exists and is the UN resolutions”.
He said he was ready to start a dialogue from where he left off in Crans-Montana in 2017, which he said he did not abandon, and which failed due to Turkish intransigence. Specifically, according to Politis, Anastasiades said an impasse was created due to the Turkish Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusolgu’s insistence on maintaining guarantees, adding that Turkey has never agreed to abolish guarantees while the GC side insisted on a timeline for their abolition and for the withdrawal of occupation troops if they were to be maintained.
Regarding the reopening of Varosha and the invitation extended to former GC inhabitants to resettle there under TC administration, Anastasiades said that efforts so far have sought see Varosha reopened under UN administration upon securing a solution, but this has not been possible due to Turkish intransigence. Asked regarding the danger of properties there being lost forever, Anastasiades replied that he does not believe that this anomy will lead to Turkey achieving its goals. He said that he hopes that through actions and through the intense unfairness that Turkey’s behaviour gives rise to, reactions will ensure that justice prevails.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Mail and Alithia report that in an address to the 3th General Assembly of World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, held in Athens on Wednesday where Anastasiades attended the trilateral summit with Greece and Jordan, Anastasiades said Nicosia and Athens expect the international and EU community to adopt a more decisive stance. They needed to make it clear to Turkey that it is not possible to continue to act without consequences, he said.
Alithia reports that Anastasiades added that Turkey’s actions in Varosha are proof of the country’s true and long-standing goals, which he said are none other than complete sovereignty over Cyprus, either through a two-state solution or through a confederal model which will see the TC constituent state fully under the rule of Turkey.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> Not ruling out any reactions in response to Turkish actions – could be vetoing EU-Turkey positive agenda or push for other EU measures such as sanctions, depending on Turkey’s behaviour
>> Borrell’s statement regarding Varosha is positive, but theoretical solidarity has no effect without practical measures
>> UK & Spehar providing Turkey with room to manoeuvre around UN resolutions & instead of restricting arbitrariness, they increase revisionism, aggression and illegal actions in general
>> UNSG should not be looking for common ground since it already exists in UN resolutions
>> Ready to resume dialogue from where it left off in Crans-Montana
>> Did not abandon Crans-Montana talks; these failed due to Turkish intransigence & Cavusoglu’s insistence on maintaining guarantees
>> Regarding Varosha, does not believe that Turkey will its goals & expresses hope that through actions and reactions justice will prevail
>> Turkey’s actions in Varosha are proof of its true & long-standing goal for complete sovereignty over Cyprus, either through a two-state solution or through a confederal model which will see the TC constituent state fully under the rule of Turkey
>> Nicosia and Athens expect the international and EU community to adopt a more decisive stance & make it clear to Turkey that it is not possible to continue to act without consequences
Cyprus, Greece, Jordan trilateral takes stand against unilateral actions
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
The further expansion and deepening of ties between Cyprus, Greece and Jordan were the focus of the trilateral meeting between the leaders of the three countries in Athens on Wednesday, while dailies report that the joint statement also touched on the Cyprus problem and Varosha.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Nicos Anastasiades issued a joint statement, which declared that “all unilateral measures or actions that are inconsistent with relevant UN resolutions and international law or undermine efforts for a peaceful solution through negotiations must be stopped”.
The dailies report that the three leaders also stressed their support for a fair, comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with UN resolutions and international law. Politis reports that the three leaders also underlined the importance of the role of UNFICYP in preserving peace and stability and stressed that a comprehensive Cyprus solution would not only benefit the people of Cyprus but the broader region.
A peaceful, stable and prosperous Mediterranean is a strategic priority for the region, the joint statement said, calling on all countries in the region to respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of each state over its maritime zones in accordance with international law, in particular the Law of the Sea. “To this end, the leaders stressed the importance of engaging in a constructive dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
Phileleftheros reports that the call served as a powerful message to Turkey as regards the Cyprus problem and its illegal actions Varosha and broader in the Mediterranean and Aegean.
It also noted that the three leaders reviewed the significant progress made across the partnership during previous summits and ministerial meetings and agreed to explore further ways to leverage and deliver on their results. In this context, they stressed the importance of the permanent secretariat being set up in Nicosia and its pivotal role in facilitating cooperation between the three countries.
The three leaders also expressed their common desire to promote and support existing synergies in all economic sectors and actively encourage new efforts, harnessing the dynamics of digital transformation of countries to overcome the challenges and difficulties posed by constraints due to Covid.
They also emphasised the importance of their geographical proximity and rich cultural heritage, “which offer enormous potential for improving cooperation in key priority areas, including culture and education, trade, food security, tourism, energy, agriculture, water, environment, healthcare, investment and information and communication technology”, they said.
The trilateral also discussed the EU–Jordan relationship during which, both Cyprus and Greece, pledged to continue advocating to push forward the EU–Jordan Partnership Priorities to promote common objectives and address shared challenges.
In his address at the start of the trilateral, Anastasiades praised the strategic partnership and said the event signified the deepening cooperation between the three nations in their shared goals, such as tackling terrorism and securing stability in the region. Phileleftheros reports that Anastasiades also thanked the King of Jordan for his principled stance regarding the Cyprus problem and the need to find a viable solution in line with UN parameters.
On his part, Phileleftheros reports that Mitsotakis referred to developments in Varosha as “unacceptable” and as in violation of UNSC resolutions.
KEY ACTORS
Cyprus, Greece, Jordan
>> All unilateral measures or actions that are inconsistent with relevant UN resolutions and international law or undermine efforts for a peaceful solution through negotiations must be stopped
>> Support fair, comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with UN resolutions and international law, which will benefit not only Cyprus but also broader region
>> UNFICYP crucial in preserving peace & stability
>> Peaceful, stable and prosperous Mediterranean is a strategic priority for the region
>> All countries in the region should respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of each state over its maritime zones in accordance with international law, in particular the Law of the Sea