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Showing posts with label Aid/Cooperation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aid/Cooperation. Show all posts

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Epitaphios walk at St. George Exorinos church in Famagusta

People, mostly refugee, flocked by the thousands to attend Good Friday mass at the Church of St. George Exorinos in occupied Famagusta for the first time in 58 years.

The video, just uploaded on my YouTube channel, depicts people with candles walking with the Epitaphios -- which symbolizes the tomb of the body of Christ in the Orthodox traditions.

Notable was a local Muslim Cleric joining church service in a sign of interfaith harmony.

Also in attendance was Alexis Galanos, the Greek Cypriot mayor-in-exile of the sprawling coastal city who told a packed church that the ceremony sent a message of reconciliation and hope.

“Famagusta is the key.  Good Friday is the day between Christ’s crucifixion and the hope of resurrection. We have hope. And we hope next year to return to our city,” he said.


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Ground-breaking Good Friday mass in occupied north

(Reuters) - For the first time in more than half a century, a church in northern Cyprus will host Good Friday mass in a sign of a thaw in relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Off limits to Greek Cypriots for 58 years, the Church of St. George Exorinos in the medieval city of Famagusta will host a liturgy on what is one of the most important religious dates in the Greek Orthodox calendar.


Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Remarks by Spokesman following Anastasiades’ meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State

An assessment of the course of the negotiations, the confidence building measures and the more active involvement of the European Union in the negotiation process for a solution to the Cyprus problem, were the issues discussed at today’s meeting between the President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Eric Rubin, at the Presidential Palace.

In his remarks to the press following the meeting, the Government Spokesman, Mr Christos Stylianides, said that the meeting had focused on three pillars. “The first one entailed the assessment of the course of the negotiations so far. The President of the Republic presented his views and assessment on the phase of the submission of the initial positions, the so-called screening, and there was an exchange of views on how to overcome some problems that have already been ascertained. 

Secondly, there was a systematic and thorough discussion on the issue of confidence building measures, which focused primarily on the issue of Famagusta.”

He added that the third issue discussed was the more active involvement of the EU in the process of the negotiations, the value and importance of this involvement and how much it could help so that the dialogue would become more productive and specific, mainly in relation to the compatibility or the lack of compatibility of the submitted proposals with the acquis communautaire.

The return of the fenced-off area of Famagusta as a confidence-building measure, was at the centre of the Tuesday meeting.

Anastasiades’ proposal for the immediate opening of the Turkish-held ghost town of Famagusta under the auspices of the EU and the UN to give a new momentum to the UN-brokered peace process which began on February 11.

But the Turkish side appears unwilling to return the occupied port town to its lawful Greek Cypriot inhabitants. 

Sunday, April 06, 2014

New House bill calls for U.S. State Department report on Churches stolen by Turkey

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) has been joined by the panel’s Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY), in introducing bipartisan religious freedom legislation (H.R.4347) that would require the Obama Administration to submit annual reports on the status of stolen Christian churches and properties in Turkey and occupied Cyprus.

In a statement issued upon introduction, Chairman Royce outlined the need for passage of H.R.4347.  ”This legislation holds Turkey accountable for its international obligations to protect and promote human rights, and it calls attention to Turkish leaders’ broken promises to return church properties to their rightful owners. 

Over decades, Christian church properties, particularly those belonging to the Armenian, Syriac, and Greek Orthodox communities have been either violently overtaken or illegally confiscated by Turkish authorities under various excuses.  These churches under Turkish control have been looted, converted to mosques, storehouses, casinos, vandalized and often irreparably damaged,” stated Chairman Royce. “Vulnerable religious minorities deserve more than just piecemeal returns of their stolen religious properties.  It is important that the United States continue to encourage Turkish leaders to uphold their commitments and return all remaining properties without further delay.  This bill will make promoting religious freedom and tolerance in Turkey a U.S. diplomatic priority.”

Ranking Democrat Engel concurred, noting, “The Republic of Turkey, and indeed all nations, have a responsibility to protect, restore, and return religious properties which have been unlawfully seized from their communities and rightful owners by state authorities.  Armenian, Syriac, and Greek Orthodox communities in Turkey have for many years been seeking the return of their confiscated properties.  The claims of these communities must be respected and addressed in a comprehensive and timely manner.  This legislation calls on the Republic of Turkey to meet its international obligations, and urges the United States to prioritize the return of unlawfully seized religious properties in order to begin to resolve the legitimate claims of these communities.”

H.R. 4347 builds on a measure (H.Res.306), spearheaded by Chairman Royce and then House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Democrat Howard Berman (D-CA), which was overwhelmingly adopted by the House of Representatives on December 13, 2011.  That resolution called upon the government of Turkey to honor its international obligations to return confiscated Christian church properties and to fully respect the rights of Christians to practice their faiths in freedom.

H.R.4347 specifically requires the Secretary of State to “submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on the status and return of stolen, confiscated, or otherwise unreturned Christian churches, places of worship, and other properties in or from the Republic of Turkey and in the areas of northern Cyprus occupied by the Turkish military that shall contain the following:

  A comprehensive listing of all the Christian churches, places of worship, and other properties, such as monasteries, schools, hospitals, monuments, relics, holy sites, and other religious properties, including movable properties, such as artwork, manuscripts, vestments, vessels, and other artifacts, in or from Turkey and in the territories of the Republic of Cyprus under military occupation by Turkey that are claimed as stolen, confiscated, or otherwise wrongfully removed from the ownership of their rightful Christian church owners.

  Description of all engagement over the previous year on this issue by officials of the Department of State with representatives of the Republic of Turkey regarding the return to their rightful owners of all Christian churches, places of worship, and other properties, such as monasteries, schools, hospitals, monuments, relics, holy sites, and other religious properties, including movable properties, such as artwork, manuscripts, vestments, vessels, and other artifacts, both those located within Turkey’s borders and those under control of Turkish military forces in the occupied northern areas of Cyprus.”

The resolution goes on to urge that a summary of the report be included in the annual U.S. State Department Human Rights Report and International Religious Freedom Report.

Sunday, December 01, 2013

The largest haul of looted church artefacts make a return to Cyprus

It has been a joyous few months as the largest haul of looted church icons, frescoes and mosaics make a return to Cyprus.

No monetary value can be placed on the return of the 173 items stolen from the Orthodox and Maronite Christian churches in the occupied areas some of which included fragments of a 1,500-year-old mosaic and 1,100 year-old frescoes — the oldest of their kind in Cyprus which traces its roots in Christianity to the 1st century.

A 1997 police raid uncovered the religious treasures in a Turkish art dealer's apartment in Munich, Germany.

More on this from the Cyprus Weekly:

Over 170 church icons, frescoes and mosaics, removed from museums and monasteries in occupied Cyprus after the Turkish invasion were handed over to the government by Germany, after a four-decade journey. 

It is the largest haul of looted church icons ever repatriated to Cyprus, comprised of 173 artworks of significant historical value that will now be hosted at the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation.

A special ceremony marked the return of the items stolen from 50 Orthodox and Maronite Christian churches in the occupied areas of Cyprus. 

The repatriation was achieved following years of legal wrangling with the Regional Court of Munich.

Speaking at the ceremony, German Ambassador in Cyprus, Gabriela Guellil welcomed the return of the icons “in what is probably the largest and most important case of repatriation of Cypriot artefacts in recent history".

“The return of the 173 religious artefacts underlines both the excellent bilateral relations between Germany and Cyprus and Germany’s commitment to honour her obligations under the respective UNESCO Convention from 1970,” said Gabriela Guellil.

She added that the German government is currently working on a new version of the German law for the protection of cultural objects which aims at speeding up the process of repatriation in the near future.

Communications Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos said the items are unique examples of ecclesiastical art of Cyprus and will be temporarily exhibited in the Byzantine Museum until they can be returned to their rightful place.

“These holy artefacts are an indispensable part of the cultural and religious life of Cyprus.”

He said that this case has brought to light the extent of the damage caused to the island’s cultural heritage during the invasion. 

“Frescoes and mosaics were violently and irrevocably damaged, with some icons cut in pieces in order for more of them to be sold at a higher price,” said Mitsopoulos. 

“We are hoping that soon we will be able to host in the museum the rest of the artefacts that are still in Munich.” 

He hoped that this case will help speed up the process for the return of other unlawfully removed cultural treasures found abroad.


Thursday, September 27, 2007

President Papadopoulos Speaks to the UN General Assembly

PRESIDENT PAPADOPOULOS:

Mr. President,

Before I begin, I wish to indicate that my statement is complementary to that delivered yesterday by the Prime Minister of Portugal on behalf of the European Union, to which Cyprus fully subscribes.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly and express my sincere gratitude to your predecessor, Her Excellency Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa on the successful completion of her tenure.

As this is the first general debate after the election of the new Secretary-General, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Ban Ki-moon on his appointment to this crucial post and wish him every success. His Report on the work of the Organization demonstrates not only the broadened spectrum of issues dealt with by the United Nations but also the comprehensive character and vast potential of multilateral diplomacy. Among the aspects of the Organization’s work that present particular interest, we note the disconcerting developments in the Middle East, the modest progress made with respect to the development agenda, the effects of the Organization’s involvement in different crises, particularly in Africa and the increasing impact of its humanitarian contribution.

We also maintain our focus on the outstanding aspects of United Nations reform and particularly on those pertaining to the Security Council. As a crucial pillar of the Organization whose activity and output have grown exponentially in recent years, the Council’s effectiveness and legitimacy should be enhanced. Moreover, we consider as an integral part of the reform process, the creation of a culture of permanent mutation of the Organization through which the latter will adapt to future developments as they occur.

A necessary building block towards ensuring the continued relevance and legitimacy of the work and decisions of the Organization is to guarantee that these decisions are compatible with, and even emanate from, the will of the membership as a whole, in particular through the General Assembly as the universal organ of the United Nations. Being a staunch advocate of the enhancement of the role and authority of the General Assembly, my delegation is particularly pleased that one of the most pressing issues facing the international community today is being addressed in this framework with a view to elaborating policy.

Mr. President,

To date, we have ample scientific data and other overwhelmingly convincing evidence suggesting that world climate is changing at the detriment of human and ecological systems as a result of human activity. Thus, our response to this alarming phenomenon should be the focus of our debate rather than the extent to which it exists.

We believe that it is important for us to define, from the outset, the scope of the response we are seeking to formulate. In the face of the quasi irreversibility of the damage done thus far, we should at least put the necessary focus, resources and energy in curbing the galloping deterioration of the situation and urgently decide the first steps to protect our societies from large scale future climate change.

In realizing this task, an integrated approach is needed. We must account not only for the future environmental impact should current trends continue but also evaluate the projected consequences in other areas likely to be adversely affected such as security and development.

All of us, Governments and individual citizens alike, are stakeholders in this endeavor. We must act jointly to codify binding commitments, ensure that these are quantitatively and qualitatively adequate to address the problem effectively, and attach to them a firm implementation monitoring mechanism and timeline.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has suggested a number of technological and policy instruments that are available to Governments for mitigation action. We stand ready to support the adoption of a number of sectoral policies and measures the Panel has deemed effective like the use of renewable energy, the use of technology to produce energy cleanly, improved waste and waste-water management and the use of alternative technologies in exploiting human systems like forestry, fisheries and agriculture.

In deciding and enforcing our response, we see no plausible framework other than the United Nations. Aside from its unique position to address the issue because of its global character, its success in confronting a threat with such massive potential as climate change will be a litmus test for the relevance of our Organization. One could say that climate change is the modern day equivalent of the security threat that necessitated the establishment of the Organization in 1945. It remains to be seen whether our system can be effective in dealing with contemporary threats to humanity as it has been in dealing with more traditional security deficits.

Mr. President,

Let me now turn to an issue which the United Nations has had a long involvement with and which we aim to keep within the Organization’s priorities until it has been definitively resolved within the framework set out in numerous relevant resolutions of this Organization.

Cyprus, like the majority of member states, gained its independence after the Organization’s inception. It has relied, since then, on the United Nations to uphold the principles enshrined in its Charter and it has always considered this system of collective security as the only legitimate means to counter acts that are inconsistent with the Organization’s purposes.

For many years, the United Nations has made strenuous efforts in trying to broker a solution. It might be that the task has been so arduous because the truth remains that the Cyprus issue, when stripped of niceties of diplomatic terminology, is a question of foreign aggression and continuing occupation of a significant part of a sovereign state, entailing enclaved and missing persons, refugees and massive and enduring violations of human rights.

Cyprus has survived the most difficult circumstances created by the many facets of the problem and has primarily insisted on one thing vis-à-vis the involvement of the United Nations in its resolution: the full application of the values this Organization was founded on and has worked so hard to promote.

So, why does this problem persist after so many years during which the national, regional and international political landscape has undergone dramatic changes? Certainly, it is neither for lack of political will nor for lack of effort on our part.

Rather, the occupying power has not displayed any motivation to solve the problem and this has only been reinforced by the Annan plan which satisfied all Turkish desiderata, thus being readily accepted by the Turkish side. Instead, Turkey has used its dominant position to command trade-offs of all sorts.

Secondly, Turkey’s long-standing objective of gaining political and military control over Cyprus remains unchanged. Despite declaratory remarks of willingness to solve the Cyprus problem, its actions confirm its dedication to its ab initio pursuit of controlling Cyprus through partitioning it geographically in two ethnically clean parts, with Turkey securing rights of suzerainty and the “right” of intervention in Cyprus.

Thirdly, efforts to solve the Cyprus problem have not been filtered through a system of values and norms of international law. They have not been tailored to the roots of the problem or even to the problem itself; rather their centre of gravity seems to have been the kind of solution the occupying power would want or could, at least, tolerate. In fact, it is clear through the conduct and negotiating positions of Turkey that it has not contemplated a solution outside the boundaries of the status quo, with the exception of partition.

Fourthly, shifting the problem from the context of its origin has led to a problem-solving methodology that divides the distance that separates the parties, caving to the demands of the most powerful party and making its success conditional upon the latter’s magnanimity.

Fifthly, the occupying power has insisted on discussing elements to the problem that form neither part of its genesis nor of its solution. The Cyprus problem is not a derivative of bad community relations but one of outside intervention. Persisting, therefore, on a constitutional arrangement, set-up primarily on the basis of ethnic origin - without due respect for the overriding democratic principles of liberty and equality of all citizens - insults their dignity and condemns the viability of any settlement.

Mr. President,

We currently find ourselves engaged in an effort to implement a process consisting of an Agreement concluded and signed by the two communities in Cyprus on 8 July 2006 and complemented by letters exchanged between the leaders of the two communities and the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the United Nations on 15 November 2006. The surprising laboriousness in implementing this carefully crafted Agreement, the purpose of which is to prepare the ground for subsequent negotiation and is intended to lead to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, is not inherent to this particular process and we should thus persist on implementing what has been agreed. The pace can only be determined by progress, and as needed, culminating in full-fledged negotiations. Sidelining or circumventing stages of the process will only lead to expediting not the solution, but the confirmation of deadlock.

So what does the future hold for the mission of good offices entrusted to the Secretary-General by the Security Council? On our part, we remain fully committed to it as it is clear to us that we cannot sustain the status quo and must insist on a meaningful and forward-looking process that can elicit concrete results leading to a settlement of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, with the correct meaning of each of these terms. The only process that can take us forward is that established by the 8 July agreed process I outlined above. This process is anticipated to test suggestions, ideas and alternatives at expert level, adequately prepare the ground and submit to the leaders, points that warrant political compromise or agreement. Though the last meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader did not signal the beginning of the implementation of the Agreement as we had hoped, we will not rescind our efforts to put the 8 July process back on track. The element of time is very important; however only progress through preparing the ground can bring us sooner to an agreed settlement.

On the other hand, we have never viewed our relationship with Turkey as a zero sum game. To the contrary, we consider that a solution to the Cyprus problem and good neighborly relations between Cyprus and Turkey are a sine qua non for the stability of both countries and the wider region. An opportunity to put this doctrine to practice has arisen as a result of Turkey’s aspiration to join the European Union. However, the catalytic effect of this accession negotiation process, has not thus far helped relieve the Cyprus problem of artificial and unfounded Turkish concerns and unrealistic policy considerations that have, in any case, been rendered obsolete by the emerging political environment. It seems that not even the allure of accession to the European Union can supersede Turkey’s policy objectives regarding Cyprus. We, like others, have linked our endorsement of Turkey’s European endeavors with the fulfillment of its European obligations.

Turkey’s intentions are not only manifest in the non-resolution of the Cyprus problem after all these years. They transpire from all its actions: the non-normalization of its relations with Cyprus as a first step to becoming an EU partner, the non-removal of any of its troops from Cypriot soil as a confidence building gesture, the intensification of efforts to project a secessionist entity in Cyprus and its systematic violations of our sovereign air and maritime space and of the military status quo. This was recently confirmed by explicit statements of its leadership at the highest political level referring to “a settlement based on two peoples, two democracies, two states and two religions” (sic).

Over the past year, we have also witnessed repeated attempts by the occupying power to illegally explore my country’s natural resources and to sabotage our sovereign right to explore and manage these resources. It has carried out unauthorized demolitions of Greek Cypriot houses in the areas it occupies and it continues to destroy cultural and religious heritage. It has intensified the large-scale illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied part of Cyprus, not least because this will skew the terms of a future settlement.

At the same time, Turkey pursues its own strategic objectives in Cyprus at the expense of re-unification and is only guided by its own interests and not those of Turkish Cypriots. It has ascertained over the years that the occupied part of Cyprus would come completely under its political, economic and military control. We regret to note that Turkey has been trying to involve our friends and neighbors in this ill-conceived effort. Underpinning this strategy, is the intent to legitimize the faits accomplis of the invasion and attribute political status to its results. Such strategy could not have been achieved without presenting the Turkish Cypriot community as victims, not of Turkish aggression as is really the case, but of Greek-Cypriots for resisting this fait accomplis. A prime example of these tactics has been the ongoing campaign to deceivingly suggest that the Turkish Cypriot community is economically disadvantaged because it is isolated. Considering that the per capita income of Turkish Cypriots has doubled over the past three years to the extent that they now enjoy the 59th highest per capita income in the world, one can easily detect the political agenda behind the attempt to link their economic development with the fate of the illegal regime.

Mr. President,

For years now we have been advocating that the road to solving the Cyprus problem is not via the exclusion of the inconvenient truths that underlie it or the by-passing of principles that are, for us, the guarantee that the settlement of the Cyprus problem will continue to be valid and relevant in a constantly changing world.

We insist that a functional and enduring solution is not one that flows from a simplistic formula that merely reflects the power balance of the parties. We are convinced that reaching a settlement well above the lowest common denominator is feasible and the creation of a unified, democratic, inclusive and forward looking society fully assuming its place in the European Union is within reach. We are also convinced that a settlement in the form of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation can be truly comprehensive and need not sacrifice justice for the sake of peace. Lasting peace is elusive without the notion of justice being firmly embedded in its foundation. Justice should be intrinsic in any political settlement package as a natural consequence of striving to preserve the universal values, which this Organization is the Guardian of.

Equally importantly, we regard the preservation of our interests and those of Turkey in our region not as mutually exclusive but as complementary and interdependent. Our vision must be to inherit to future generations the legacy of friendship, co-operation and good neighborliness. We are afforded the opportunity to prevent eternalizing this feud and we should seize it.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Greece Declares a National State of Emergency

Cypriots were glued to their television sets today as the awful news reports coming out of Greece had people shocked by what they were hearing. Many shaking their heads in disbelief as the death toll from the forest fires rose to at least 53, and the number is expected to rise given that a large number of people are currently missing.

Video below begins with the words "Greece in the mist of a disaster..."

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

California State Senate - Resolution on Cyprus

From the Press and Information Office (PIO):

California State Senate - Resolution on Cyprus

The California State Senate adopted Resolution 24 on the Cyprus problem on 15 March 2006, which was introduced by Senator Alquist. The Resolution states, inter alia, that “a lasting, just, peaceful and mutually agreed upon solution to the Cyprus problem would greatly benefit the security and the political, economic and social well-being of all Cypriots”, and notes that it could contribute to improved relations between Greece and Turkey, and would serve the interests of the United States interests in the region”. The Resolution makes reference to the Annan Plan, and notes that it “was rejected by an overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots in a free, democratic and fair vote, since it did not sufficiently address their basic concerns”. It states also that the Republic of Cyprus took together with other EU countries the decision in December 2004 to permit Turkey to begin EU accession talks in October 2005, recognizing that Turkey must abide by the EU principles and that “this will significantly contribute to the development of a secure and economically robust Eastern Mediterranean and offer the prospect of providing a new context to resolve the longstanding division of Cyprus”. It notes that Cyprus has announced and is implementing a series of economic and other measures “to reach across the island’s internal division and benefit the Turkish Cypriots living in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic” and points out that Cyprus “has as a goodwill gesture unilaterally initiated a program to clear more than 2,300 mines in eight minefields in the buffer zone dividing the island”. Commending the people of Cyprus for their continued efforts in search of a just resolution of the Cyprus problem, the Resolution calls on the President and the Congress of the United States to continue their historic support for the reunification of Cyprus, while fully respecting that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only legitimate sovereign authority for the entire island of Cyprus. - 19.04.2006

Monday, February 27, 2006

Media Two Facedness

The European Union has agreed to unblock aid worth 139 million euros to the Turkish Cypriots, ending a two year dispute. This agreement could have been reached last year during Britain’s EU presidency but certain EU members insisted on linking the financial assistance with direct trade. The RoC government disagreed with this claiming that direct trade constitutes de facto recognition.

Lets recall how the press reacted back then when there was no agreement ... The money has been stuck in Brussels' coffers ever since, because the (Greek Cypriot) Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since May 2004, has blocked the release of the funds. A statement like this or something similar was common when one read about this particular issue. Then of course followed by how the Greek Cypriots voted NO (oxi) to the Annan plan. Strong commentaries followed ... The audacity of the Greek Cypriots who make up only 700,000 people, do they not realize the Turkish Cypriots need these funds, how ohh how can they be punished when they voted YES to the Annan plan. SHAME! Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me!

Most of these articles that discuss the Cyprus issue will say, but Ankara says this and Ankara says that but never state what Nicosia’s view is on a given matter.

We don’t need to know what Ankara says, we only need to know the facts. Around the time when a few EU member States were pushing for linkage between financial assistance with direct trade, the news wires picked up a story on “balls to embargoes (their website),” a story about Turkish Cypriot Football players stripping off clothing in protest of the embargo. The organizer was quoted in the press as saying that the campaign is about human rights and not politics. Yes, the very same embargo that has helped spawn luxury villas and yachts dotted all over the North of the island. What am I going on about? It seems the Turks have already rejected the EU deal and only a handful of news agencies are reporting it. That's right, direct trade was not linked to the aid.

Does it meet their maximalist demands, it does not. Never the less, this is a compromise deal that is a benefit to the Turkish Cypriots. The money will fund projects to improve infrastructure and the economy in the North, is this not considered a benefit? The rejection also tells us that any possible future agreement on the Cypriot issue that does not contain the maximalist demands of the Turks and the authorities in the North, would be rejected outright. Here is an example of a press article being receptive to Turkish arguments. The Cyprus spin stops on this site ... Financial Times, step to the front line:
Turkey upset by EU deal on N Cyprus
By Daniel Dombey in Brussels and Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: February 26 2006 18:49 | Last updated: February 26 2006 18:49

The European Union has agreed a controversial aid package for the Turkish Cypriot community in northern Cyprus, in a decision that has upset Turkey and threatens to complicate further Ankara’s negotiations to join the EU.

Is it controversial because the EU agreed to it or because the Turks find it unacceptable? I did not bother to read the rest of the article.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Update on Blackout

Here is an update on the blackout that hit the breakaway statelet. It appears the power plant in the North is in worser shape than what was previously thought. Authorities in the North are now saying that they may be dependant on electricity from the Republic for as long as a month.

North has ten days to fix power plant
By Jean Christou

THE ELECTRICITY Authority of Cyprus (EAC) said yesterday it would be very difficult to supply the north with electricity beyond the ten days the Turkish Cypriot side asked for.

Responding to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press that the supply from the south might be needed for a month, Costas Gavrielides, the EAC’s Customers Service Assistant Director said that would be difficult.

“We are not in a position to give them electricity for a month,” he said. “We agreed ten days. What we are giving them is at the expense of our own system. We don’t have more to spare. If we can give it to them we will, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted that we can supply for an extended period of time.

“It depends on whether we have the supply or not. It’s not easy. We understand they are in a difficult situation and we want to help for as long as we can.”

Turkish Cypriot ‘Minister of Agriculture and Forestry’ Huseyin Oztoprak said authorities might continue to purchase electricity from the south for a period of up to a month, pending the repair work at the Teknecik power plant.

The Turkish Cypriot side called for help late on Wednesday after an explosion disabled the power station in Kyrenia. The north had been experiencing problems for some time, according to Turkish Cypriot press.

An 80 mega watt connection for a period of seven to ten days until their problems were fixed.
Supplying the north is expected to cost between £600,000 and £800,000.

President Tassos Papadopoulos said yesterday the government would have given the electricity even if the Turkish Cypriot side could not pay.

“We would still have given it to them for free,” he said.

However that this would create problems with the competition commission as such a move would be regarded state grant and the EAC would have to pay a fine.

“Our compatriots needed help, we had the capability to help them, why shouldn’t we?”

Between 1974 and 1996, the Greek Cypriot side supplied all the electricity needs of the north until the Kyrenia station was up and running. This had cost the EAC a total of $162 million for the 22-year period. The money was never paid by the Turkish Cypriot side.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Blackout

The Turkish Cypriot leadership in the occupied North today appealed for electricity from the government of RoC after a blackout hit the breakaway statelet. The government of RoC approved the request ... "We immediately replied that we're willing to help," said Mr. Papadopoulos. Despite the invasion, the government of RoC continues to provide electricity to Turkish Cypriots in the North of the island.

Monday, January 09, 2006

Outbreak

Cypriots are alarmed at what is currently occurring in neighboring Turkey where there is confirmation of a deadly bird flu outbreak which has killed several people. The government of RoC is telling its citizens not to worry and that it is coordinating efforts with doctors in the occupied North. Iran has said that it has sealed its boarder with Turkey to protect its citizens. Three months ago, Turkey quickly responded when this same virus was reported in western Turkey but was not successful in containing it this time in eastern Turkey. News reports this morning indicate five new cases in eastern and central Turkey. The Financial Mirror this morning has reported that “The Cypriot Agriculture Ministry has been taking all necessary measures, and people should not panic, said Efthymiou.” Very well then, no cause for panic, however ... there is a strong cause for concern. This is a real threat to the entire region as the disease is continuing to spread across Turkey. I hope the government of RoC is not paying lip service when it states that the “authorities are taking all necessary measures.

Saturday, December 31, 2005

Aid Package

The EU recommended 259 million euro aid package to Turkish Cypriots when they voted "yes" to the Annan plan. The RoC government supports the aid package but was seeking decoupling of financial assistance and direct trade claiming that direct trade constitutes de facto recognition. Mr. Talat wants the aid package linked with direct trade between the north of the island and the EU. As a result of the differences...the European Union has abandoned an attempt to provide the aid package. An agreement was not expected. For months now, Mr. Talat and crew were quoted in the Turkish press stating that Northern Cyprus would not accept trade via Southern Cyprus and that the Turkish Cypriots may say "no" to the aid package if it means giving up on direct trade.