TRNC News Today 4^th November 2015

OPEK accused of criticizing the technical committee regarding cultural heritage

It is stated that the Association for Social Reform, OPEK, which is active in South Cyprus, criticized the technical committee because of initiating the legal process regarding cultural heritage due to using Turkish names for the villages in the TRNC.

According to the Greek Cypriot newspaper Haravgi, in a statement on the subject, the Board of Trustees of OPEK described it as unacceptable that the legal process was initiated and addressed for political reasons.

In the statement of OPEK, it mentioned that there is a committee which produces, builds and restores real work, and at the same time revealed the cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in a critical period of the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Schulz: “Spare no effort in quickly reaching a solution”

European Parliament President Martin Schulz said that the European Union is investing considerably in the ongoing negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus.

In a video message at the 11th Cyprus Economist conference Schulz pointed out that “We are closely following the negotiations and it is my firm belief that Cyprus can become a beacon of peaceful co-existence and cooperation between communities of different ethnic and religious origins.”

Pointing out that the reunification of Cyprus can prove to be a model country for the entire turbulent region, Schulz stated that Europeans and the Cypriots are passing through a crucial period.

Europe more than ever, Schulz pointed out “is in dire need of Cyprus fulfilling, in the best possible way, its destined role of a political and geographic bridge in the region.”

Schulz further personally appealed to both the leader of Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades and President Mustafa Akıncı to “grasp the momentum and spare no effort in quickly reaching a political agreement for the reunification of Cyprus”.

Anastasiades: “We hope to reach a settlement on the Cyprus issue before the May 2016 parliamentary elections”

Speaking at the conference, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades said that they hope to reach a settlement on the Cyprus issue before the May 2016 parliamentary elections. He also stated that getting a result depended on both sides.

Stating that intensive negotiations will contribute to create hopes for the future, Anastasiades also added that the solution to be reached will bring great economic benefits.

Dizdarlı sworn in as Ombudswoman

Ombudswoman Emine Dizdarlı has been sworn in and officially started her new duty as the new Ombudswoman at the swearing in ceremony which took place yesterday before President Mustafa Akıncı. Thus,the position which has been vacant since 2012 regains its function.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Akıncı said that the post of Ombudswoman is extremely important for the effective functioning of public administration and for the spirit of justice to flourish.