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International Women Artists Meeting, was held this year with the contribution of Girne Municipality and Deniz Plaza in cooperation with the Intercultural Drama Association, with the aim of emphasizing 8th March International Women’s Day, and started with a press conference held at the Science University of Cyprus.
Presidential Spokesperson Barış Burcu stressed that it is necessary to evaluate the time well to reach a solution in 2016, adding that President Akıncı is ready to double his efforts to reach a solution in the island as soon as possible. Burcu also said that Akıncı invites the Greek Cypriot Leadership to act with the same consciousness, not with impulsive behaviour.
In his written statement, Burcu stated “Our President Akıncı invites the Greek Cypriot Leadership to act with same consciousness, not with impulsive behaviour, to reach a federal solution based on bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality”.
Furthermore, Burcu stressed that no one has a right to place obstacles for the President to attend any dinner, adding that there are seven months to reach a result, the negotiations have been continuing for a year that is why, each day and each hour of 2016 is very important.
It was stated that Turkish Cypriot negotiator Özdil Nami and Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyannis agreed during their meeting yesterday to act with the direction of the leaders.
Nami and Mavroyannis met in the buffer zone yesterday morning and they evaluated the situation experienced in İstanbul recently.
US Vice President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with President Mustafa Akıncı and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades. Telephone conversations were announced from social media accounts of the leaders and Presidential spokesperson Barış Burcu noted: “The current stage of the negotiation process was evaluated during their telephone conversation.”
According to Kıbrıs Postası, US Vice President Joe Biden praised Akıncı for his sincere and decisive attitude at the negotiations and expressed his satisfaction for Akıncı’s effective decisions.
It was also stated that the decision of Anastasiades to not attend the meeting of the leaders on Friday 27th May, was discussed. Biden and Anastasiades agreed that the impulsive behaviour of Anastasiades was caused by stress as a result of the elections held in South Cyprus on 22 May 2016.
The UN officials made statements to “Havadis” newspaper regarding the crisis which arose due to President Mustafa Akıncı’s participation at the dinner at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul and his meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The UN sources agree with the Turkish Cypriot side that the Greek Cypriot administration overreacted to the event. They said that it should not harm the negotiation process and cancellation of the leaders meeting is meaningless.
According to the UN sources, the responsibility belongs to the sides to overcome this crisis. The UN will not make any attempt or force for the continuation of the negotiations.
The UN sources indicated that the Greek Cypriot side considers the UN as responsible and they asked for an official statement, dialog or initiative from the UN.
Diplomatic sources also stated that the Greek Cypriot side is in a difficult situation, and they realized that this attitude will harm themselves and added that they will return to the table in a short time.
Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Farhan Haq stated that they have not received any official information regarding Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades not attending the leaders meeting on Friday 27th May.
Haq expressed: “We have not received any official information on that issue. The UN Secretary General wants to emphasize that both leaders showed great courage and determination during the peace process, and encourages the leaders to double their efforts in the following months.”
Stating that the main aim of the Greek Cypriot administration is “to remove Turkey from Cyprus and to dominate the Turkish Cypriots”, National Unity Party Lefkoşa deputy Ersin Tatar said, “Turkish Cypriot people and President Mustafa Akıncı are not toys of Anastasiades. We should make our own destiny.”
In his written statement Tatar stated that the Greek Cypriot people and the Administration are far from an understanding which accepts the Turkish Cypriot people as their equal partners. Ersin Tatar said, “The results of the parliamentary elections in the South should be read correctly.
Fascist ELAM have increased their vote rates threefold and also other extreme right-wing parties gained strength. AKEL and DISI are considered as responsible for the economic problems of the Greek Cypriot people and have lost 14% of votes and 30% of the people did not go to the polls to protest, all of this should be considered wisely.”
Stating that the tension which arisen due to President Mustafa Akıncı attending the dinner held in Istanbul upon the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the reaction of the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades to the situation, Communal Democracy Party leader Cemal Özyiğit said that this development negatively affects the solution process.
In his written statement Özyiğit said, “What is important is the negotiation table and the solution process. Therefore, any action that will harm the process should be avoided. It is vitally important.“
Beşparmak Think Tank Group indicated that President Mustafa Akınıc’s participation at the dinner at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul and his meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about the negotiation process is a proper initiative.
In his statement on behalf of Beşparmak Think Tank Group, Osman Ertuğ criticized Anastasiades’ disturbance due to this initiative of President Akıncı. Ertuğ said, “ Anastasiades’ dinner boycott, his declaration concerning not to attend the scheduled leaders meeting on Friday and cancelling his meeting with the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth, indicates that the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades failed on the sincerity test.”
Greek Cypriot Fileleftheros newspaper wrote that the Greek Cypriot administration considers the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide as responsible for the tension in İstanbul due to President Akıncı being invited to the dinner reception in the framework of the World Humanitarian Summit and indicated that the UN official is no longer seen as a valid inter-mediator.
The report was detailed in the inner pages with the title “Unwanted Man Eide” and indicated that Akıncı’s attendance at the dinner and his meeting with Ban ki-Moon greatly enraged the Greek Cypriot administration.
Pointing out that Anastasiades considers Eide as responsible for the situation, Fileleftheros wrote that Anastasiades left the Summit early as a reaction and cancelled the leaders meeting scheduled for Friday 27th May.
The UN Secretary General’s Special Representative Lisa Buttenheim visited the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Museum which was renovated with the initiatives and finance of the TRNC Assembly.
Obtaining information about exhibited works in the museum, Buttenheim signed the Visitors Book at the end of the visit.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office – To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here
Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.
Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu expressed that an open-ended negotiation process is not healthy. Ertuğruloğlu received the Undersecretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkey Feridun Sinirlioğlu and his accompanying delegation yesterday. Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Derya Kanbay also accompanied Sinirlioğlu and his delegation. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Erhan Erçin was also present at the meeting.
In his speech, Minister Ertuğruloğlu said that consultation of the Motherland Turkey with the TRNC to defend our national case is natural in the continuing negotiation process. Adding that the negotiation process in Cyprus has been continuing for about 50 years, Ertuğruloğlu said that Turkish Cypriots do not deserve to be exposed to the current treatment. Ertuğruloğlu also expressed that he believes that an open-ended negotiation process is not a healthy approach.
Furthermore, in his speech, Sinirlioğlu said that it is their common responsibility to determine about the current stage of the negotiations. Indicating that he paid a visit to the TRNC to discuss the negotiation process and also to congratulate the new government, Sinirlioğlu expressed his satisfaction for being in the TRNC.
President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades will meet today within the framework of Cyprus negotiations.
The leaders’ last meeting was on 25 April. In his statement following the last meeting Akıncı had said that they held a “fruitful” meeting in terms of reaching a full consensus on the first four chapters. Stating that it is not possible to make new progress at each meeting, Akıncı said that he believes progress has been made for an agreement.
President Mustafa Akıncı received Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu and his accompanying delegation.
Turkish Cypriot Negotiator Özdil Nami, Presidential Spokesperson Barış Burcu and Undersecretary Gürdal Hüdaoğlu also attended the meeting. No statement was made to the press before or after the meeting.
President Mustafa Akıncı said that Turkey could not fulfil all the necessities of recognizing or not recognizing the ‘Republic of Cyprus’ in the current international circumstances regarding the visa Liberalization Dialogue between Turkey and the European Union.
Speaking during one of his receptions, President Akıncı evaluated the “third progress report on the visa liberalisation roadmap.”
Akıncı said that Turkey’s diplomatic recognition of the “Republic of Cyprus” depends on very different conditions, primarily Turkey needs to take a decision for the recognition but such a decision will not come into question unless the United Federal Cyprus is established.
TDP Leader Cemal Özyiğit said that while Turkey-EU relations are becoming normal and developing, steps should also be taken in this direction in Cyprus.
“The real normalization in Cyprus can only be possible with a comprehensive, fair and permanent solution of the Cyprus problem” Özyiğit added.
Özyiğit also expressed that the recommendation of the European Commission regarding visa-free travel is towards normalization and developing Turkey-EU relations, adding that the decision also predicts visa-free travel of Turkish citizens to South Cyprus.
Furthermore, Özyiğit said that while Turkey is progressing on the way to EU membership, we should do together whatever is necessary to reach a permanent solution in Cyprus. The current developments put forth once more the importance of a solution in Cyprus.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she believes Turkey will fulfil all required criteria for visa liberalization.
Stating that she was pleased with the recommendation decision of the European Union Commission which provides visa-free travel for Turkish citizens, Merkel said, “I believe there is a realistic opportunity for Turkey to complete other obligations because of its achievements on the other issues.”
The first phase of the restoration works on the main church and adjoining buildings of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery is nearing completion.
The restoration of the monastery, according to UNDP, intends to contribute to the on-going confidence building process between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the context of cultural heritage preservation and protection. The overall restoration of the Monastery will take place in four phases.
Turkish Cypriot co-chairman of the committee Ali Tuncay, Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage Takis Hadjidemetriou, Cyprus Vakıflar Administration vice general director Mehmet Kanan, Programme Manager of the United Nations Development Programme Tiziana Zennaro and the experts who work on the restoration of the monastery attended the information meeting which was organised by the Cultural Heritage Technical Committee and the United Nations Development Programme – Partnership for the Future (UNDP-PFF) Office in order to inform the press.
Making the first speech UNDP-PFF Officer Tiziana Zennaro said that the Apostolos Andreas Monastery project is a great example of the fruitful cooperation in the field of cultural heritage between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people. Zennaro said, “We stand in pride as we see the monastery coming to life again and acknowledge the progress the UNDP has made in facilitating the restoration in partnership with the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.”
Turkish Cypriot co-chairman of the Cultural Heritage Technical Committee Ali Tuncay stated that the present situation of the restoration works is the result of the equal cooperation of both parties.
Tuncay said: “I think that the work of the committee has shown to both sides that the two can cooperate and can have many good results. It is not just a monument for Greek Cypriots but also a monument for Turkish Cypriots, it is our heritage, humanity`s heritage.”
Tuncay stated that in the second phase of the restoration project, the historic chapel, the holy fountain, the building to the north of the monastery and environmental planning are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
First Lady Meral Akıncı, and the spouse of the Greek Cypriot leader Andri Anastasiades, attended on Thursday evening a concert by young musicians from both sides in Cyprus, at Pallas theatre in Nicosia, and both expressed their support to efforts for a solution that would reunite Cyprus. Soloist at the concert was Wolfgang Schroeder, violin, and Artistic Director George Kountouris.
Meral Akinci said that women are part of the population and have the need for opportunities to put all their power, knowledge and enthusiasm to solve the Cyprus problem. Akinci thanked the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Culture for the concert, which was under its auspices, as well as the young musicians.
“It is a great pleasure to be here at this concert with Meral,” said Andri Anastasiadis, adding that “this is one of many steps that prompt us together to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.” I believe that women can do a lot and that we are part of the solution to our problem. My wish is to have a solution to the problem this year, “she added.
In his address Co-President of the Bicommunal Technical Committee Kani Kanol said “we fully understand the role of art and artists and particularly young artists in creating a free, independent, democratic and bright equal future.” He welcomed with great enthusiasm the effort made by young musicians from the two communities who have worked together.
In her address, Co-President of the Bicommunal Technical Committee Androulla Vasiliou said “we want to hope that the solution to the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our island is not far.” However, she added, for the eventual solution to be consolidated and stand the test of time, political will and cooperation from the political leaders will not suffice. “We will need to create the proper climate between our people. All of us, and especially younger people, will need to believe in the solution and the peaceful coexistence, as well as the cooperation between the two communities. We must believe that, together, we will be able to work towards and create our mutual future, in our mutual homeland, Cyprus”, she said.
UN special adviser to Secretary-General for Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, also attended the concert.
European Commission’s proposal on lifting the visa for Turkey created trouble between the Greek Cypriot politicians.
“DIKO (South Cyprus political party) leader Nicolas Papadopoulos does not want a solution to the Cyprus problem”, South Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said on Thursday, as a row between the two escalated over the European Commission’s proposal for the lifting of visa requirements for Turkish citizens.
Earlier this week the Turkish cabinet approved waiving visas for visitors from all 28 EU member states once Europe relaxes its own visa requirements for Turks.
Although the visa waiver will apply to Greek Cypriots, Turkish officials said it did not amount to recognition of the Greek Cypriot Administration.
Papadopoulos, who is the leader of DİKO political party in the south, insisted the visa waiver raised other concerns, such as illegal migration and asylum seekers.
Accusing the Greek Cypriot Administration of a weak foreign policy for not objecting to the European Commission’s document, Papadopoulos zeroed in on the South Cyprus Foreign Minister, whom he accused of having a history of ‘exculpating’ Turkey’s policy on Cyprus.
Kasoulides suggesting that Papadopoulos’ concerns were merely a vote-grabbing ploy – directed particularly at Greek Cypriot refugees – in the midst of an election campaign.
Kasoulides said Papadopoulos’ track record spoke for itself.
“There are certain politicians, and Papadopoulos is one of them, and I say this responsibly and on the record, who do not want a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Coming back, Papadopoulos said he felt insulted by Kasoulides’ remark that he was against a solution, and demanding a retraction.
The DIKO leader demanded also that Anastasiades immediately convene the Greek Cypriot National Council to discuss the EU visa waiver for Turkish nationals, which he called a “highly negative and dangerous development.”
Greek Cypriot daily Cyprus Mail commented on Papadopoulos’ response on lifting of the visa requirements for Turkish nationals.
The article is as follows: “It is very difficult to say what prompted DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos to make such a big issue of the European Commission’s proposed lifting of the visa requirements for Turkish nationals. Are opinion polls forecasting that his party’s share of the votes would be low in the elections and he resorted to some old-fashioned alarmism in order to rally support? Did he feel this was suitable issue for highlighting government weakness on matters of national interest, in comparison to his own party’s uncompromising stance? Does he enjoy confrontation so much that he would use any excuse to engage in it?
Whatever the motives, his outbursts of the last few days suggest that he lacks political judgment, perspective and the capacity for rational thought. They also indicated a basic ignorance with regard to how the EU operates. That he could blame the Anastasiades administration, for a proposal prepared by the European Commission, over which it had no say, was beyond a joke. Anticipating the proposal, he said: “Questions are raised by the stance of the government on this matter: which are these 72 criteria (set for the lifting of the visa requirements), when were they decided, how were they defined by the European Commission and why had the DISY government agreed to these 72 criteria?”
Is Papadopoulos not aware that the Commission takes decisions without consulting national governments? Is he not aware that this is one of the main reasons many Britons want to leave the EU? Quite clearly not, or he would not have asked “why were these 72 criteria not discussed at the National Council?” He did not even bother to find out what these criteria were, speculating instead that these involved respect for the right to property and for basic human rights, before asking why the Commission believed Turkey had complied with these.
As if this rant were not ridiculous enough Papadopoulos also saw another danger emanating from the Commission’s “totally wrong and provocative” proposal. It would allow “70 million Turks to move freely in Cyprus “with preferential treatment”. We are to believe that 70 million Turks were waiting for the lifting of the visa requirements so they could visit the Republic en masse. Yesterday he corrected this point on a radio show by saying there were 80 – not 70 – million Turks ready to flood Cyprus.
This nonsense may be taken seriously by a few ignorant voters, but it would also lead to a lot more voters not taking Papadopoulos seriously. He will have nobody but himself to blame for this.”
Source: TRNC Public Information Office – To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here
Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.
Foreign Minister Emine Çolak is holding official contacts in Qatar’s capital Doha.
General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kemal Köprülü, Private Secretary of the Ministry Hüseyin Özel, the President of Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) Fikri Toros and KTSO Member of Board Çavlan Paralik are also accompanying Minister Çolak during her visit.
Minister Çolak began her contacts in Doha with the visit of some Qatari businessmen. After the visit, Çolak attended a working dinner given in her honour. Minister Çolak also attended the dinner given in her honour by the TRNC Doha Representative Aytug Plümer. Turkey’s Doha Ambassador Ahmet Demirok, as well as some foreign ambassadors also participated in the dinner.
On the second day of her visit, Minister Çolak visited “Katara Cultural Village” where she was briefed on the various facilities. Çolak expressed admiration of the Cultural Village and its mission aimed at bringing people together.
During the tour, Çolak was accompanied by Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti. She was briefed on the facilities and future projects at the Cultural Village. Dr al-Sulaiti gave a detailed explanation of the events and activities of the Cultural Village.
Çolak also visited an Open Air Theatre, an architectural masterpiece of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), and toured Katara’s different sections.
Minister Çolak was briefed on the important events held by the Qatari Society of al-Gannas (Sniper Association) as well as its activities, the Qatari heritage on falconry and fishing, tournaments and competitions organised by the association.
Çolak expressed her appreciation at the world-renowned cultural projects undertaken by Katara.
For his part, Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, stressed the importance of such visits to Katara which represent the first tourist and cultural destination in Qatar and the Gulf region, reflecting the development and renaissance taking place in Qatar at all levels and fields, particularly the cultural aspect.
Within the framework of her contacts in Doha, Minister Colak met with Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, in the presence of the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Fikri Toros and the Board Member of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry Çavlan Paralik.
In her speech at the meeting Çolak said that North Cyprus has entered talks with Southern Cyprus and they are in the process of achieving agreements for unification which will facilitate their integration into the European Union, and generate more business opportunities and economic prosperity for their country.
In his part Sheikh Faisal highlighted historical relations between the two countries, praising the geographical location of Cyprus and the security and stability which will encourage investment. On the other hand, the Chairman of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry presented investment opportunities in five sectors, including supply of water via the pipeline from Turkey.
The Leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit made a call to the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to show determination for reuniting the Cyprus Island. Özyiğit said “Let’s reunite our divided island and make it a symbol of peace and friendship”.
Özyiğit made a speech at the festival organized on Saturday in Lefkoşa by TDP and DISI to support reunification of the Island and to give a strong message towards the peace vision. DISI Leader Averof Neofitu also made a speech at the festival. The activity started firstly in the buffer zone and then continued in South Cyprus and North Cyprus. Özyiğit and Neofitu coloured the buffer zone drawn on two canvases to show their will for reunification of the Island. The political leaders wrote in the Turkish and Greek languages: “We can reunite the Cyprus Island”.
Neofitu stressed that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots should learn to make cooperation and trust each other.
It was stated that permission was not given to the Bi-Communal chorus to join an activity in South Cyprus.
According to the news of the Greek Cypriot Daily Haravgi, the Head of AKEL Education Committee Hristos Hristofidis stated that permission was not given to the Bi-Communal chorus to join the activity because one of the songs would be Turkish.
Hristofidis stated that this event was conducted with the approval of the Greek Cypriot Education Ministry and the decision showed that there is no democracy in the education system of South Cyprus.
Referring to the Greek Cypriot Education Technical Committee, Hristofidis also expressed that some unacceptable behaviour was even put forth when the Committee would be established and the members of the Committee would be decided.
It was announced that the US and the UK had broken codes of Israel’s unmanned aerial vehicles flying over the Eastern Mediterranean and allowed images from the pilot cabin and stole the images which were obtained from the reconnaissance flights for 20 years.
According to the news of the Greek Cypriot weekly Kathimerini, the situation was leaked to the international press by Edward Snowden.
In the report, it was indicated that the US and the UK observed the spy activities of Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Syria through the programme code named “Anarchist” based in the Cyprus mountains (Troodos) since 1998.
The Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yoannis Kasulidis explained that he believes a solution can be found for the Cyprus problem and both sides have reached so much progress on un-discussed topics for the first time.
Greek Cypriot daily Alithia newspaper gave coverage to the conversation of the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yoannis Kasulidis under the title of “the solution plan will be the plan of the two leaders”. Indicating that the current negotiations are different from the negotiations so far, Kasulidis said that it belongs to the Cypriots and it would not be an agreement which was externally imposed as before.
Stating that an improvement was achieved on management, economy and EU matters for the first time, and noting that transition to the most difficult chapter of property is an indication of the improvement more than the previous process, Kasulidis also said, “in case of some difficult issues to be resolved on the property and guarantees, a solution is near to approach.”
It was announced that the Technical Committee on Crime and Criminal Matters will organize a seminar entitled “The security of the federal government”.
According to the news of the Greek Cypriot daily Alithia, the Chairman of the committee Andreas Kapardis indicated that two American experts from FBI, an Australian and a British expert will make speeches at the seminar.
According to the news, Kapardis indicated that preliminary preparation is necessary at all levels for a possible solution and also gave information about the establishment and objectives of the committee.
Turkish Cypriot Pianist Rüya Taner is going to give a concert in Paris tonight with a group including Greek Cypriot, Greek and Turkish artists.
The concert will be conducted with the organization of the ‘Association of Artists United for Peace’ under the auspices of the Turkish Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Hüseyin Avni Botsalı.
As well as Taner, Hüseyin Sermet from Turkey, Papagionis Theodarakis from Greece, Cyprien Katsaris from South Cyprus, David Lively from US, Nima Sarkechik from Iran and Tanbi Cimus from Syria will take the stage in the concert.
Source: TRNC Public Information Office – To read more news and information from the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please click here
Pictures shown are courtesy of the TRNC Public Information Office Facebook page.
President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades held their second meeting of 2016 today in efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. The meeting took place at the buffer zone.
After the meeting the leaders made the following joint statement:
“Today, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nikos Anastasiades held constructive deliberations on all of the outstanding issues and provided further guidance to the negotiators.
The leaders established the Technical Committee on Education on 25th November and today appointed 11 members each. They exchanged their respective lists of members.”
The two leaders will meet again on 29th January.
President Mustafa Akıncı will attend the World Economic Forum to be held on January 19-22 in Davos, Switzerland.
In his speech during one of his receptions Akıncı said that the Secretary-General has still no “intention” concerning the tripartite meeting in Davos with the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Ban Ki-Moon and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades.
Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side is not a party to sidestep from the negotiations on every ground, on the contrary, the Greek Cypriot side is the party which sidestepped from the quintet meeting with the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG), Akıncı said: “If the UNSG propose for a tripartite meeting, the answer will surely be positive.”
Pointing out that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the world’s best-known businessmen and politicians will be in Davos and the world’s most important issues will be discussed at Davos, Akıncı said: “I believe that the four of us must not avoid to get together and drink coffee. We must take advantage of being there and sit and talk and try to understand each other.”
Stating that he welcomes the participation of UNSG Ban in the meeting, Akıncı underlined that there is no quintet meeting which will be set up by the United Nations.
On the other hand Greek Cypriot Administration Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides made a statement and said that the Greek Cypriot Administration does not favour either a formal or informal four- party and/or five – party meeting in Davos.
President Mustafa Akıncı and the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades attended the lunch organized at the buffer zone within the framework of the Greek – Turkish Forum Meeting.
Former ministers, member of parliaments, academics, businessmen and journalists who came from Turkey and Greece attended the lunch at Chateau Status Restaurant near the Ledra Palace Hotel.
Turkish-Greek Forum reported that they welcome the two leaders’ commitment and their engagement with citizens and stakeholders in building confidence in a common future and a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
Yesterday the Turkish-Greek Forum issued the following statement:
“On the occasion of its meeting in Cyprus at the Home for Co-operation in the UN Buffer Zone on the 13th and 14th of January 2016, the Greek Turkish Forum had the pleasant opportunity of meeting with the leaders of the two communities.
We want to commend the leaders as well for establishing an exemplary paradigm of communication and outreach based on mutual trust, as reflected in their public statements and actions.
While a settlement is by no means a foregone conclusion at this stage, the positive climate engendered through the talks presents a unique opportunity to achieve progress and successfully conclude the negotiations. The Turkish-Greek Forum is fully committed to supporting the leaders in their quest for a settlement agreeable to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and will spare no effort to promote the peace process.”
The Forum noted that the upcoming months will be crucial for Cyprus and the outcome of the peace process and said:
“We welcome their commitment and their engagement with citizens and stakeholders in building confidence in a common future and a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem. The Turkish-Greek Forum is grateful to the leaders for updating forum members on the encouraging atmosphere in the talks under the UN auspices.
We urge the two leaders to do their utmost to overcome existing difficulties in the negotiations to the long-lasting benefit of all Cypriots.”
A high level authority from Turkey who participated in Turkey-European Union negotiations stated that 6 EU commissioners will have contacts in Turkey in March on many issues primarily the Cyprus solution process. The authority also said that the Cyprus issue is expected to be the most important agenda topic in Turkey-EU relations.
Expressing that the Cyprus problem is an obstacle in front of the chapters possible to be opened for Turkey’s EU membership, the authority said that the EU Commission and Turkey are making serious preparations, adding that if the Cyprus problem is not solved, there will not be any development on Turkey’s membership process. The authority also said “Cyprus negotiations are going well and there is a positive atmosphere in Cyprus. It is expected to reach a solution in the first quarter of this year. If a solution is reached within this year, there will be visa exemption and Turkey’s membership negotiations will develop. If the Cyprus problem is not solved, visa exemption may be applied, summits may be held but membership negotiations will be in danger. Everything is relevant to the Cyprus issue”.
The Leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat met with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz yesterday.
The latest developments reached in the Cyprus negotiation process were discussed during the meeting as well as the adaptation process to the EU.
The Deputy Undersecretary for Europe and Eurasia of the US Secretary of the Treasury Daleep Singh, who is having contacts in Cyprus, visited the Minister of Finance Birikim Özgür. Singh conveyed his views to Minister Özgür regarding the possible financial difficulties and opportunities after a solution and was informed about the TRNC economy.
In his speech at the meeting, Özgür said that structural transformation is very important for them therefore their intense reform studies are continuing.
Stating the contributions of Turkey for the TRNC in this process, Özgür expressed that the support of the US and EU will increase their strength during the solution process and also for continuing stability of peace.
Furthermore, adding that after a solution Cyprus will need a healthy transition period in which any financial difficulty will not be experienced, Özgür said that the US support strengthened their belief for a solution in Cyprus.
The leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) Cemal Özyiğit received President of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus Andreas Kettis.
At the meeting which took place at the Headquarters of the TDP, latest developments reached in the Cyprus negotiation process and present issues on the agenda were evaluated.
The Founding President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Rauf Raif Denktaş was commemorated with ceremonies on the 4thanniversary of his death.
In his speech at the ceremony President Akıncı said that Rauf Raif Denktaş, whom they remembered with respect on the 4th anniversary of his death, was a great leader who guided the Turkish Cypriot people when efforts had been made to wipe out Turkish Cypriot identity from the island.
President Akıncı said that the time is continuously passing, a new world and new conditions are existing today but the needs of the Turkish Cypriots have not changed in essence, as they were previously, today they are trying to find ways to become rooted and grounded permanently in the island.
Akıncı said: “Of course, just as the late Denktaş did in his time we also have to find a proper way through which we will meet the needs of the present time. Therefore, we are working with all our good intention for a fair settlement. We make efforts for a settlement which will not compromise the equality, freedom and security of the Turkish Cypriots.”
The Tourism Ministry, announced that the Ministry has reacted to the information that the promotion of “Northern Cyprus” tourism in the inner cities and airports in London, Manchester and Luton disturbed the Greek Cypriots and a written complaint to the UK Foreign Secretary as well as the other competent authorities about the removal of the “Northern Cyprus” advertisements was made by the Greek Cypriots.
In the statement it is said: “We are amazed to see that at such a period that the Cyprus negotiations intensively continue on the Cyprus issue, the mentality in South Cyprus has not changed and they cannot even tolerate the promotion of Northern Cyprus tourism.”
The Solidarity Platform of Turkish Cypriots Living Abroad will organize a panel which will approach the different perspectives of ‘Right to Elect and to be Elected and Representation Rights”. The panel will take place at the City Centre Hotel in İstanbul on 16 January 2016.
According to the statement given by the Solidarity Platform of Turkish Cypriots Living Abroad, the purpose of the platform was expressed as strengthening the ties between the Turkish Cypriots living in Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots living abroad and to provide the feeling of belonging to the country for the future generations. Indicating that the issue of representation of the Turkish Cypriots Living Abroad has great importance in this context, the platform proposed at the workshop which was conducted on 6 October 2015 at AKM, to send 5 deputies in total; 2 deputies from the UK and Turkey and one deputy from Australia which are selected by the elections in their countries and to be sent to the TRNC Assembly as representatives.
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades on Wednesday reiterated his readiness to attend a joint meeting, if invited, with the UN Secretary-General and President Mustafa Akıncı in Switzerland later this month. Anastasiades said: “If invited I will certainly take part because the UNSG should be informed about the actual status of the talks; the progress achieved and the problems we have.”
If it takes place, the meeting will be held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos between January 20 and 23.
On the other hand, Greek Cypriot opposition politicians are anxious about this meeting. EDEK expressed concern over the move, saying the party was convinced that an attempt was underway to systematically upgrade the Turkish Cypriot state in the North.
“This meeting cannot be justified from the moment Anastasiades is invited in his capacity as the ‘President’ and Mr. Akinci is invited under a completely different capacity,” EDEK chairman Marinos Sizopoulos said in a statement.
Such a meeting will not be downgrading the President as a leader of a community but it will be upgrading Akıncı to President or representative of a so-called state entity, he said.
DIKO suggested Akıncı being upgraded to “co-president” with acceptance by Anastasiades in advance to meet Akıncı alone, or in the presence of the UNSG in Davos, “where only heads of state participate.” and all this, according to the party, amid a blackout that aimed in taking people by surprise and subsequently blackmailing them.
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The commemoration programs of the 21st December National Struggle and Martyrs Week which is an important turning point in Cyprus history and the anniversary of the attacks against the Turkish Cypriot community and legitimate constitutional rights by the Greek Cypriots begins today.
Greek Cypriots caused the collapse of the Republic of Cyprus, which was established in 1960, by planning to destroy the Turkish Cypriots with the attacks launched on 21 December 1963 and aiming to connect the island to Greece. At the same time, the date of December 21, 1963 is the beginning of the process that ended with the intervention of the guarantor power Turkey on July 20, 1974 in order to ensure the safety of the Turkish Cypriots.
Between the dates 21st December 1963 and 20 July 1974, Turkish Cypriots rights of life were taken by the Greek Cypriots in the framework of the Akritas plan which was implemented by the Greek Cypriots in Cyprus. 103 Turkish villages were occupied and 50,000 Turkish Cypriots were forced to migrate. Turkish Cypriots were excluded by force of arms from the state as constituent partners and forced to live in ghettos which were established in 3% of the island under embargoes for 11 years.
Within the framework of the negotiations in order to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades held the last leaders’ meeting of 2015 yesterday. Before the meeting at the building allotted by the UN for the negotiations in the Buffer zone, the leaders visited the CMP Anthropology laboratory and met with the three CMP Members and many of the Committee’s Greek and Turkish Cypriot scientists and made examinations. During the visit to the Committee on Missing Persons, President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades recorded an appeal calling on all Cypriots to provide information to the CMP on possible burial sites. This appeal will be shown island-wide as a TV-spot.
After the last leaders’ meeting of 2015, a statement was published by the UN regarding the meeting. According to the statement, the leaders made a general assessment of the negotiations since talks began on 15 May 2015 and expressed their satisfaction with the progress that has been achieved to date. While acknowledging that the tasks ahead remain difficult, the leaders are determined to maintain the positive momentum of the talks with their next meetings planned for the 7th ,14th and 29th January 2016. The leaders held constructive deliberations on all of the outstanding issues and provided further guidance to the negotiators. Stating that a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus will be an example for the broader region, the leaders expressed their sincere hope that 2016 will bring peace, security and prosperity in Cyprus and beyond.
Lastly, the leaders thanked all members of the working groups, technical committees and other parties who are working towards their shared goal of reaching a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible and wished a happy and prosperous New Year to all people.
UBP Lefkoşa Deputy Ersin Tatar argued that the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Anastasiades is not in good faith and he has demands at the negotiations which will lead the Turkish Cypriot people back to before 1974.
In his written statement, Tatar stated that Turkish Cypriot side should avoid the tricks of the Greek Cypriot side on the issues of property, territory and guarantees. Moreover; Ersin Tatar claimed that it is a deception to express “there is a progress” as long as the definition of current user and some criteria have not been agreed on the issue of property and the Turkish Cypriot people’s socio-economic situation is not taken under guarantee.
Deputy Ersin Tatar also stated that President Mustafa Akıncı shouldn’t forget that he gave a guarantee about an agreement to be reached that will not take the Turkish Cypriot people back and hurt them.
Turkey’s EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır said, “The Cyprus problem is at a point where it is closest to the solution in the 50-year history, and hopefully they will be able to reach a point to present a constitution to the referendum in the Spring.” Bozkır received the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianidis in his office.
Evaluating the positive atmosphere in Cyprus, Bozkır said that the problem on the island has reached a point that can be solved more easily than the problems of Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine.
Furthermore, Minister Bozkır said that many great opportunities will emerge with the solution of the Cyprus problem, and added that as Turkey they hope to reach a solution as soon as possible.
The Greek Cypriot daily Alithia newspaper noted that the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yoannis Kasulidis in his statements regarding the Cyprus problem said “the negotiations will end in 2016 in either a positive or negative way but there is not a certain calendar.”
According to the news, Kasulidis disagrees with the overly optimistic approaches that the Cyprus problem will be resolved next year or in the following year because there is still a distance needed to be covered. Upon a question regarding the statements of Eide and the possibility of a quintet conference on the issue of guarantees, Kasulidis said, “This issue has not been discussed yet.”
A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise, entitled “CYPFRA-05/15,” will be conducted today in the South East of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR units and personnel from South Cyprus and France.
According to the news of the Greek radio; The frigate “COURBET-F712” as well as naval and air SAR units of South Cyprus will take part in the aeronautical SAR exercise under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the French frigate.
This will be the fifth exercise on SAR matters in 2015, between the JRCC Larnaca (which represents the SAR system of South Cyprus) and the French Navy.
73% of the Greek Cypriots want the Greek Cypriot Administration to provide military facilities to Russia. According to the Greek Cypriot daily Simerini, 53% of the Greek Cypriots also want to promote relations between Russia and the Greek Cypriot Administration.
The newspaper also reported that according to the survey carried out by “IMR / University of Nicosia” with the participation of 500 people on 16-17 December it showed that 3 out of 5 Greek Cypriots will feel safer themselves in the event of Russia’s military presence on the island.
Furthermore, Simerini reported that although the tension is increasing in the region, the Greek Cypriots have not been affected greatly and in this context; 6 out of 10 Greek Cypriots feel safe themselves and 2 out of 5 people feel that security has been reduced.
Noting that Greek Cypriots’ being ready to provide military facilities to Russia is related to feeling safe, the newspaper reported that 66% of the Greek Cypriots will feel much safer themselves in the event of Russia’s military presence on the island.
Cemal Özyigit has been re-elected as the leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP).
At the 5th Ordinary Meeting of TDP which was held yesterday, there were 762 votes in the election for the Presidency. Head of Gazimağusa District Mustafa Emiroğluları received 272 votes while the leader of TDP Cemal Özyiğit received 487 votes.
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President Mustafa Akıncı and the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades will meet again today within the framework of the Cyprus negotiations.
The meeting will be held at 18.00 in the buffer zone.
After a two year standstill a new chapter was opened for Turkey in the accession negotiations to the European Union (EU) yesterday. Chapter 17 on “Economic and Monetary Policy” was opened with the intergovernmental conference in Brussels. Chapter 17 involves the implementation of the Maastricht economic criteria on debt and deficit, along with the independence of the National Central Bank.Presiding Minister Asselborn, of the EU rotating presidency welcomed this event, together with Enlargement Commissioner Hahn.
Turkey, being represented by three cabinet members, the Deputy Prime Minister amongst them, was applauded by the EU side. Deputy Prime Minister Şimşek made a series of statements on the accession process, saying that Turkey will do whatever it takes to become a member of the EU, while Ministers Volkan and Çavuşoğlu reiterated that the only choice that should be on the table is that of full membership.
The three cabinet members, presented to an audience of journalists and diplomats all the cooperation sectors between the EU and Turkey, the benefits for both sides, the fight against terrorism, the migration crisis and more, and expressed the hope that additional chapters would be opened soon.
The 5th Ordinary Congress of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) will meet on Sunday. TDP leader, Cemal Özyiğit, and the Head of Gazimağusa District, Mustafa Emiroğulları, will run for the party leadership at the Congress.
The Congress will start at 10.00 at Atatürk Culture and Congress Centre at the Near East University (NEU) and 50-persons party assembly will be elected at the Congress. Applications for the party assembly membership will be continue until Friday.
The leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Mehmet Ali Talat will attend the conference under the title “A United Cyprus is possible” in South Cyprus at the European Union Home. The leader of the Greek Cypriot Democratic Rally Party (DİSİ) Averof Neophytou will also be present at the event and both leaders will make speeches. The conference will start at 18:30.The conference which will be organized by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus and the Association of Social Reform – OPEK, will be open to the public.
Opening speeches will be given by the Head of the European Commission Representation in Nicosia George Markopoulitis and the head of the Association of Social Reform – OPEK Yiannis Tsouloftas.
TurkishThe book which was written by Giovanni Mariti in the 18th century named “Travels in the Island of Cyprus” has been translated into Turkish by Gallery Cultural Publications. The first edition was published in Italian in 1760 and it was translated into English by Claude Delaval Cobham in 1895.
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US Secretary of State John Kerry will arrive in Cyprus today. Kerry will start his one day official visit in the afternoon and will meet with President Mustafa Akıncı. After meeting with Akıncı, Kerry will watch a basketball match of “Peace Players” at Ledra Palace.
Kerry will also make a press statement at the Fulbright Centre in the buffer zone and then have a meeting with President Akıncı and Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades at the residence of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the UN Mission, Lisa Buttenheim, during dinner.
Before meeting with Akıncı, Kerry will be received by the Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Anastasiades and have talks with the Foreign Minister of the Greek Cypriot Administration Ioannis Kasoulides separately.
Kerry is expected to leave the island tonight.
US Vice President Joe Biden also visited the island last year on 22 May.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who is holding contacts in South Cyprus, has expressed Russia’s support for the solution efforts related to the Cyprus problem which is based on the UN Security Council resolution provisions. Lavrov said that the solution should emerge with the mutual agreement between the two communities.
Within the context of his South Cyprus visit, Lavrov met with the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yoannis Kasulidis after his meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades and then he held a joint press conference.
Speaking at the joint press conference, Lavrov said that “efforts for imposing artificial timetables for the Cyprus problem will not be efficient.” Lavrov also expressed that the UN Security Council will continue its efforts for a truly viable solution in the Cyprus issue.
Upon a question on the views of Russia about the guarantee issue, Lavrov expressed that making decisions on this issue belongs to Cyprus, and the solution should assure the country’s security on a new basis.
UK conducted its first airstrike to bomb DAEŞ in Syria after the approval of the memorandum in Parliament.
According to the statement made by the UK Ministry of Defense, the first airstrike over Syria was conducted. The Royal Air Force used their air base in South Cyprus. 4 Tornado Jets which belong to the Royal Air Force took off from the air base in South Cyprus and 2 of them bombed DAEŞ targets in Syria. The 4 jets returned at 03:00 to the airbase after the airstrike.
The Ministry of Defense is expected to make a statement regarding the bombed targets today. The UK has 8 Tornado jets at its airbase in South Cyprus and is expected to increase the number of its fleet with the enlargement of the operation on Syria.
The UK Parliament, yesterday evening approved the memorandum for the UK’s participation in the airstrike of the international coalition against DAEŞ in Syria.
The UK Parliament’s sub-division organized a session at the House of Commons which lasted for 11 hours and in the voting after the session, 397 MPs approved the memorandum while 223 MPs voted against.
The Communal Democracy Party (TDP) has become an official member of the Socialist International. TDP’s membership has been approved unanimously at the Socialist International’s meeting held in Angola last week.
TDP Leader Cemal Özyiğit qualified TDP’s membership as a very important historical development.
Noting that TDP’s membership has started from the ‘consultative status’ not from the ‘observer status’, Özyiğit stressed that this situation has a separate importance.
EDEK and Ecologists and Environmentalists Movement called to the Greek Cypriot government to provide military convenience to Russia.
Greek Cypriot daily Politis newspaper stated that EDEK started a survey about this subject on its own website, on the other hand, environmentalists suggested providing ease of use of the airports and ports in South Cyprus to Russian aircraft, ships and Special Forces, and ‘defence protection’ and ‘saving the country if the conditions are available’ were suggested in return.
Greek Cypriot daily Politis newspaper indicated that ‘war with Russian participation’ is proposed by the Environmentalists Secretary-General Yorgos Perdikis and commented that this proposal creates a contradiction in terms of ideology for an environmentalist party.
Greek Cypriot daily Simerini newspaper has launched a series of articles against the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide accusing him of being biased.
In yesterday’s episode which is entitled “Eide and Security of the Republic of Cyprus, Connections of Norwegian Diplomat and their Effects on the Cyprus Problem”, the newspaper claimed that Eide should act according to impartiality principles in his duty as Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus, however he exceeded his authority limits.
French Total Company officially applied to the Greek Cypriot Administration in order to renew the contract related to the 11th parcel in the Greek Cypriot “Exclusive Economic Zone” (MEB).
The Greek Cypriot daily Politis announced that with the renewal of the contract, the company will lose 25 percent of the 11th parcel but it will continue to stay in the Greek Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone for at least two more years.
The newspaper also wrote that the company has found a target to drill and drilling was planned for autumn 2016 and the company informed the Energy Ministry with a letter about their application for the renewal of the contract related to the 11th parcel last Monday.
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Foreign Minister Emine Çolak made a statement regarding the decision of the United States to lift the arms embargo on South Cyprus.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Çolak made evaluations to the BRT Channel and she said that she had requested more detailed information on the subject from the US authorities.
Çolak said “We have requested information for clarifying the issue. We will inform the public about the issue in detail after the necessary consultations.”
The European Union-Turkey Summit has been held with the agenda comprising vitalizing Turkey’s membership negotiations, visa requirements and refugee crisis.
It is stated in the draft text of the EU-Turkey Summit that both sides are in agreement that “Turkey’s membership process needs to be speeded up.”
It is also stated in the draft text that the 17th Chapter entitled “Economic and Monetary Policy” will be opened on 15 December 2015, and in addition to this, the Commission will complete its studies to open new chapters in the first quarter of 2016.
The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and Communal Democracy Party (TDP) attended the meeting of Socialist International.
In his speech at the meeting, TDP Leader Cemal Özyiğit evaluated the Cyprus negotiation process and the regional problems. Stressing the importance of the Cyprus negotiations between the two leaders, Özyiğit said that as TDP, they have always supported a federal solution based on bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality. Furthermore, Özyiğit stressed that confidence building measures will play an important role in reaching an agreement in Cyprus.
Furthermore, in his speech, CTP Central Executive Board Member and Foreign Relations Secretary Muhittin Tolga Özsağlam said that a permanent solution to be reached in Cyprus will bring peace and stability to the whole Mediterranean.
Özsağlam attended the meeting of Socialist International at Angola’s capital Luanda as the representative of CTP.
Making a speech at the meeting, Özsağlam said that there are many problems in the world at the moment adding that ethnic conflicts, wars, terrorism and injustice in distribution of income are just a few of these problems.
Özsağlam also underlined that the Cyprus problem is one of these issues, expressing that both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots experienced deep sadness in the past. Reminding that the negotiations have been continuing between the two leaders in Cyprus currently, Özsağlam said that as CTP, they support a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution in Cyprus. Indicating that in spite of this, the process is proceeding slowly, Özsağlam pointed out that confidence building measures have not been implemented yet.
The Mayor of Lefkoşa Turkish Municipality LTB, Mehmet Harmancı, held a series of contacts in the European Union’s capital, Brussels and explained the legal position of LTB and he asked for an equal share of grants.
During this visit, the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, how international actors can contribute to the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot Municipalities, LTB’s ongoing projects with the EU and the Greek Cypriot Nicosia Municipality and technical assistance were discussed at the meetings.
It was stated that the EU Commissioner for Regional Policies Corina Cretu, who came to Lefkoşa recently and was exposed to different criticisms due to unequal treatment she made to the two Municipalities of Nicosia, received the Mayor of Lefkoşa – Mehmet Harmancı.
At the meeting held in the European Parliament, Harmancı gave detailed information about the projects of LTB and the joint projects.
By George Koumoullis
Sunday Mail, November 29, 2015
“Tell me your teachers and I’ll tell you who you are,” goes the Greek saying which should reverberate in Cyprus after the unprovoked and unjustified attacks on Turkish Cypriots by students during the recent demonstrations condemning the establishment of the pseudo-state.
Most of the students detained for these attacks were from one school, the headmaster of which is widely known as a right wing extremist. In his memorial speech about George Grivas two years ago, this headmaster said that Grivas “constitutes one of the leading personalities produced by Cyprus, but also wider Hellenism during the 20th century”.
I will not comment on the amusement caused by such unhistorical claims to the overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots who know that Grivas proved a collaborator during the German occupation of Greece and was the founder and leader of criminal EOKA B. A school headmaster knows very well that when a student messes up two out of three topics in a final exam he will not pass let alone be declared pompously a top student.
Generally speaking, if a headmaster is racist and in the thrall of fascism we should not expect the students of the school he runs to be governed by democratic ideals. Such a secondary school cannot mould spiritual or intellectual people that deal with social, political, cultural and moral problems through the search for truth. Such a secondary school cannot produce citizens with a democratic outlook who respect diversity. Such a school cannot respect human rights and cultural diversity within a multi-cultural society.
On the contrary, such a school fosters intolerance, xenophobia and, in our case, would exhaustively cultivate hatred and hostility towards our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. Therefore the assortment of slogans uttered by students during the recent protests, such as “a good Turk is a dead Turk” or “Turks, Mongols, murderers” should not leave us stunned, flabbergasted and dazed because it is the natural consequence of the education given to students at many schools.
The problem cannot be solved by President Anastasiades taking on the role of Moses, descending from a governmental Sinai with his own tablets of 110 commandments aimed at tackling the symptoms, while completely ignoring the causes; not to mention that he confuses hooliganism with fascism. The problem could be solved – and to achieve a solution a long-term effort is necessary – with the radical restructuring of education about which no mention is made in the government’s commandments.
The problems in education dictate long-term and coordinated creative solutions. The cancer of education in Cyprus is political party control which should not be confused with political awareness. It is our obligation towards our country, our students and future generations not to allow teachers to be involved in party politics because the damage caused to education by party influence is incalculable for three basic reasons:
The planning of education – as is the practice in well-run countries – must be above political parties, party personalities, party unionism and the Church establishment. The lack of planning in education because of party control obliterates quality with the result that private lessons have grown to monstrous proportions. The rector of the University of Cyprus estimated that parents spend the astronomical amount of €60 million a year on private lessons and cramming centres. And we talk about “free education”!
When the headmaster of a school belongs to a political party, it is reasonable to deduce that he will try to promote the views of his party at the school. Many teachers at that school try to ingratiate themselves with the head because they want the good appraisal from him which is essential for their career advancement. Inevitably, in some schools, an atmosphere of servility and cowardice is created. Only the head speaks and the teachers are not allowed to disagree. Their only right is to listen, obey and execute, for their own good, whatever is decreed by the…. maestro. In this way the headmaster is in a position to promote his ideology at the school.
The education ministry is a bastion of the extreme right and every minister is in effect appointed by the archbishop. Indicatively, when the latter met representatives of ELAM he described them as “good children”! Many accept the slogans of the neo-fascists of Golden Dawn about patriotism, nationalism, the superiority of the Greek race and other such inanities exactly because of inadequate education and the influence exercised over it by the church. In conclusion, if our education were literally a live organism, it would have sent out an SOS signal a long time ago. And if we ran to its rescue, it would whisper to us: “I suffer greatly from party control and neo-fascism. Please help me.” The issue raised now is: will we show the compassion and care needed to cure it, bearing in mind the very painful side-effects if it is left to die?”
Source: Sunday Mail
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