TRNC News Today 24^th July 2015

Foreign Minister Çolak: ‘We must work hard for a settlement’

Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Çolak made a statement to Yenidüzen newspaper regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cyprus problem.

Minister Çolak, who has been appointed as the only female Minister under the CTP-UBP coalition government, interpreted the new government as an opportunity for a settlement.

Stating that it is necessary to work very hard to reach a solution at Cyprus negotiations, Minister Çolak said that she accepted her duty to set an example especially for women.

Furthermore, Emine Colak emphasized that, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of their top priorities is to support the positive steps on the issue of Cyprus negotiations in cooperation with the President.

The Council gave great support to resolution process

President of the UN Security Council and, Permanent Representative of New Zealand Gerard Jacobus Van Bohemen stated that the Council gave great support to UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Eide and the negotiation process in Cyprus. Van Bohemen stressed that the Council will continue to support the process and encourage the sides.

Eide and Special Representative Lisa Buttenheim talked about the latest developments regarding the Cyprus negotiation process to Security Council Members in New York.

Van Bohemen expressed his satisfaction for the briefing of Eide and Buttenheim, adding that some difficulties might be experienced in the further process. Van Bohemen also stressed “The Council gives full support to Eide and the process. We will continue to support the process and encourage the sides”.

Leaders to meet on Monday

President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades will meet on Monday again.

The meeting which will be held in the buffer zone with the aim of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem will start at 09:30 am.

UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide will be present at the meeting.

President Akıncı receives Leigh

President Mustafa Akıncı met with the German Marshall Fund’s Chief Adviser Micheal Leigh at the Presidential Palace yesterday.

During the meeting, Micheal Leigh briefed President Akıncı regarding the study they have carried out in the Eastern Mediterranean on natural gas and energy and presented the two reports they have prepared to President Akıncı.

President Akıncı expressed that in case of a solution, new conditions and opportunities will emerge in the country and the energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will be able to be used more productively and in a secure manner.

Briefing by Anastasiades

Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades has briefed Archbishop of Greek Orthodox Church II. Hrisostomos and members of Synod Assembly. Hrisostomos stated that Anastasiades’ expressions during the briefing regarding Cyprus negotiations pleased members of the Synod Assembly.

Greek Cypriot radio has announced that Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades briefed the members for two hours yesterday.

Kyrenia origin Greek Cypriots: “Negotiations should be ended”

An organization consisting of Kyrenia origin Greek Cypriots has taken a decision during their activity arranged for the 41st. Anniversary of the Peace Operation that the ongoing negotiations for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation should be ended.

Rule of Law Movement thinks President should undertake initiative

Rule of Law Movement made a statement regarding the necessity for police organisations being based on civil authority. In his written statement, Baris Mamali criticized police organisations being based on Security Forces Command and expressed that the President should undertake an initiative at this point for the democratic values to be established. ‘The organization must first have a civil management and control system so that it can be run on democratic principles, protect human rights and be based on the rule of law’ he added.

Action at English school in South Nicosia

Greek Cypriot daily Haravgi noted that Assistant Director of the English school in South Nicosia has filed a criminal complaint to the Ombudswoman Eliza Savvidu claiming that he is trying to be discharged by the director of the school for supporting equality and cooperation between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot students at the school and for his political stance and for being against discrimination.

It was emphasized that the assistant director has received pressure by the school director and the members of the board of directors for the last two years.

Awareness-raising and information meetings from European Union Info Centre

The European Union (EU) Info Centre is organizing information meetings about the EU’s rural development policy and the programs for the Turkish Cypriots. According to statement from the EU Information Centre, tours of the EU Information Centre on EU policies about rural development and support for rural communities will be performed between 27-30 July at Serdarlı, Büyükkonuk, Kebir, Güzelyurt and Lefke. The tour will end on 31st July with a panel named as “The process of integration in the Rural Development and Agricultural Competitiveness” which will be held at the Merit Hotel.