Animal Shelter

Nicosia Dog Shelter is affiliated to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and a member Society of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA.) It cares for stray and abandoned dogs and puppies until they can be adopted by caring, responsible owners.

Call 22357005 (or 99868512 in an emergency or 99520511 for re-homing.)

Visit www.dogshelter.org.cy for more information.

Directions to Nicosia Dog Shelter:

The Shelter is in Makedonitissa/Engomi in Nicosia. You need to enter through the UN check point, opposite the University of Nicosia (formerly Intercollege) campus. Please call 99868512 to arrange with the guard to let you in. Visitors are welcome at the Shelter between 10am and 4pm daily, except Sundays. There are also charity shops linked to the charity.

FAREWELL

(Click on image to enlarge)

Defence Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos was laid to rest as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to an “honorable man and outstanding politician”.

Mr. Mitsopoulos passed away after suffering brain hemorrhage.

The minister was buried in his family grave along with his maternal grandfather Evangelos Mouskos and his mother.

Meanwhile, at around 13:40 pm television cameras were turned off in respect to the family’s wishes not to broadcast the burial.

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.

UPDATED Cypriot Permanent Representative to UN denounced Turkey’s violations in Cyprus

NICOSIA - Cypriot Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nicos Emiliou denounced Turkey’s continuing violations in Cyprus that have been taking place ever since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

"In the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, basic human rights were brutally violated, together with the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country. Thirty-nine years later, the occupation of more than one third of Cyprus continues, and massive violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms persist," he said addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s 68th Session of the Third Committee.
He referred to the continued identification process of the remains of missing persons 39 years after the invasion.

"In Cyprus, the past is very much the present," he said, adding that today, Cyprus remains the country with the highest proportion of Internally Displaced Persons as a percentage of its population in the world.

Emilou noted Turkey’s decision to allow the Committee of Missing Persons access to a fenced zone in the occupied areas this year but called on the Turkish Government to fully address this humanitarian issue with urgency, by launching an effective investigation, both on the cases of people whose remains have been identified, as well as those whose fate is still unknown.

He also called Ankara to allow unrestricted access to all relevant information in its archives, as well as to all relevant areas, including military areas, in Cyprus and in Turkey itself.

The Cypriot Representative also referred the living conditions of enclaved persons in the occupied part of Cyprus. "Despite some improvements in recent years, which we recognise and welcome, Greek and Maronite Cypriots living in the occupied areas are still subjected to harassment, restrictions to their movement, denial of access to adequate medical care and curtailment of their freedom of worship, adding that "we are especially alarmed by continuing violations of their property rights, as safeguarded by Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to bequeath property to their descendants."

Emiliou furthermore denounced the systematic violations of the right to education of enclaved students, as well as the widespread destruction and looting of religious and cultural heritage in the occupied part of Cyprus is not only a crime against Cyprus, but one against humanity.
"The desecration of religious and historical sites, which began as soon as Turkish troops landed in Cyprus in July 1974, continues today. Around 550 churches and Christian monuments, along with numerous cemeteries, have been desecrated, pillaged, destroyed, converted into mosques, army barracks or worse, or even demolished," he went on to say.

Emilou however, noted that not all is bleak welcoming two recent positive developments in the broader field of religious freedom.

He referred to a senior Muslim cleric who held a service at Hala Sultan Mosque near the city of Larnaca while at the same time, Bishop Christoforos of Karpasia, who had been prevented for the past 18 months from visiting his diocese in the occupied part, was allowed to visit his enclaved flock and the monastery of Apostolos Andreas in north-eastern Cyprus.

Emiliou announced that a restoration project through the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage will begin in the coming months for Monastery of Apostolos Andreas, one of the most important religious sites on the island, which has been left to decay since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

"Such developments, small as they may be, are proof of the powerful yearn of the Cypriot people for peaceful coexistence and give all Cypriots, hope for a reunited future," Emiliou went on to say.

At the backdrop of renewed efforts to launch a new UN-led initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Emiliou underlined that for the effort to reunify Cyprus to succeed, these violations must cease at once.

"We call on Turkey to end the occupation, recall its troops and apply and respect the resolutions and recommendations of all relevant UN and other international bodies, thus restoring peace and security and the human rights and dignity of all the people of Cyprus. This is of vital importance, not just for Cyprus, but also for the credibility and moral standing of this Organisation," he concluded.

The icon of the Presentation of Christ

The icon of the Presentation of Christ, which was most probably stolen after the Turkish invasion from the Turkish occupied monastery of Saint Panteleimon in the village of Myrtou, will be repatriated very soon.

According to a press release, the icon was found by the Representation of the Church of Cyprus in Brussels being auctioned at Kaupp in Salzburg, Germany. The Church discretely managed to repossess the icon on October 5.

The icon was painted in 1787 and is attributed to hagiographer Leontios of the school of hagiography of the monastery of Saint Heracledios in the village of Politico.

Bishop of Neapolis, Porphyrios, who is the Church`s Represetantive in Brussels, has already received the icon, which will be repatriated in December and presented to Metropolitan Bishop of Kyrenia, Chrysostomos, in whose province the monastery of Saint Panteleimon belongs. 

MEPs set to dig deeper into Troika's Cyprus deal

Pressure to reveal how the Cyprus financial plans were hatched would continue, the chair of Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, said on Tuesday when she closed a debate with Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem that left various MEPs less than fully satisfied on the quality of the answers provided.

Responding to critical questioning, Mr Dijsselbloem defended the plan as the "best possible outcome" and said a rethink of Eurogroup decision-making was not realistically on the cards.

Mr Dijsselbloem and the Eurogroup as a whole came in for criticism from all political groups. The centre-right MEP Jean-Paul Gauzès (FR) said that the Eurogroup was responsible for having caused huge collateral damage to the trust in the EU as a result of its poor communication.

Sven Giegold (Greens, DE) slammed Mr Dijsselbloem's responses as being "unacceptable" since they did not provide the details needed to understand how the "bad outcome was reached". He also asked for a full written explanation to be provided. Udo Bullman (S&D, DE) said that the Eurogroup needed more parliamentary control at European level since it had come "very close to causing a bank run with the first plan for Cyprus".

Mr Dijsselbloem defended the intergovernmental structure of the Eurogroup saying that this was what the current political context would realistically allow. He also contested the view of many MEPs that the plan for Cyprus was a bad outcome. 

He assured MEPs that lessons had been learnt and that the EU was in a better position to face new challenges now that it had new instruments and a stronger Commission to enforce discipline.

Reacting to Mr Dijsselbloem's replies, Sylvie Goulard (ALDE, FR) said that he was "the most optimistic undertaker". She asked him to deliver an agenda to avoid another Cyprus situation and to end the nationalistic decision-making of the Eurogroup.

Asked by Jurgen Klute (GUE/NGL, DE) whether Cyprus should not be compensated because part of its crisis was a result of the write downs of Greek debt, Mr Dijsselbloem said that there was no case for this since Cypriot banks had chosen to invest in Greek banks and when they did this it was already a risky strategy. 

Committee chair Sharon Bowles (ALDE, UK) said it was not fair to place all the blame on the island's banks since they were acting on promises that there would be no write downs and also at the instigation of various European political actors.

On a more general level, Mr Dijsselbloem refused to enter into the debate on whether austerity had run its course when asked this by Dirk Jan eppink (ECR, BE). He simply replied that everyone should take responsibility for what was agreed and deliver on their promises.

The hearing, organised to shed more light on the processes which led to the financial plan for Cyprus, will continue on Wednesday morning when committee MEPs will hear testimony from Commissioner Olli Rehn and ECB Executive Board member Jorg Asmussen.

(European Parliament / Economic and monetary affairs / 07-05-2013 / 18:16)

REF. : 20130507IPR08062

Full Interview with Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides - BBC HARDtalk

Cyprus is enduring the agonies of a financial and economic meltdown. But here's the really bad news for the Cypriot people - according to international economists their darkest days have yet to come. The island's economy is about to shrink dramatically, overseas investors are fleeing and the current Government is struggling to come up with a survival strategy. Who and what will save Cyprus?

ABOUT IOANNIS KASOULIDES 

Ioannis Kasoulides (Greek: Ιωάννης Κασουλίδης; born 10 August 1948 in Nicosia, Cyprus) is the Foreign Minister of Cyprus.  He studied medicine at the University of Lyon in France.  He is a member of the Conservative Democratic Rally (DISY) party in Cyprus.  Ioannis Kasoulides ran for President in the Cypriot presidential election of 2008. He won the first round, but lost in the second to Dimitris Christofias.

European Parliament calls for the withdrawal of occupation troops from Cyprus

The European Parliament has urged Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus, return the fenced-off city of Famagusta to its legal owners, end the flow of illegal settlers in the occupied part of Cyprus and implement the Ankara Protocol.

In a resolution on the 2012 progress report on Turkey, members of the European Parliament expressed once again their strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities.

The resolution was adopted on Thursday by the European Parliament plenary session by 451 votes in favour, 105 against and 45 abstentions.

The resolution underlined the urgent need for an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with substantive settlement negotiations, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum.

Furthermore it urged Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces its troops from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984).

MEPs called on Turkey to refrain, in accordance with the principles of international law, from any new settlement of Turkish citizens in Cyprus, as this would continue to change the demographic balance and reduce the allegiance of its citizens on the island to a future common state based on its common past;

They deplored Turkey’s refusal to fulfill its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member States and recalls that this refusal continues to have a profound effect on the negotiation process.

MEPs expressed their regret hat Turkey had "missed an important opportunity to start a process of engagement and normalisation of relations with Cyprus" during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council.

The resolution stressed that progress towards the normalisation of Turkey’s relations with the Republic of Cyprus is urgently needed in order to give new momentum to the EU-Turkey accession negotiations.

The resolution also called on the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without further delay and recalled the full legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in accordance with UNCLOS.

A pro-Turkish lobby failed to include amendments in the resolution aiming at giving to Turkish Cypriots the status of observers at the European Parliament and opening direct trade between the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus and the EU.

(KYPE)

German MEP rails at his country's 'hypocrisy' over economic crisis

(theguardian) - German MEP rails at his country's 'hypocrisy' over economic crisis

"Look at the money-laundering that is taking place in Germany," he said. "It is well proved that up to €60bn is laundered in Germany every year. How can a country like Germany then accuse a small country like Cyprus of being nothing else than a criminal money-washing system and at the same time execute a whole economy within a fortnight just to send a message to German voters [in September's general election]?" he asked. "It is unbelievable!" » Read full article here.

All Eyes on Cyprus

Guten Morgen, my fellow bloggers.  I am alive and well and practicing my German… Has anyone heard any news about Cyprus these past few weeks? ;)

We, here, in the money laundering island are doing well, thank you for asking… Reading some of the articles in the warped media make it sound like the Russian Mafiosos have swarmed Cyprus.

I can understand how people may think this is a true representation because some of our EU partners have claimed that Russian funds were deposited and invested in Cyprus via illicit means, but it appears those very same governments are now enthusiastically spreading their arms wide open and encouraging relocation of these so called “illicit” funds into their own economies…  Shock… Shock, I say!

On a bright side of things – if you can call it that – people around the globe now know where Cyprus is on a map… am I right?!  Individuals from jewelers who follow the spot price of gold,  to educators to investors to politicians, have all been focusing in the events taking place on this island these past few weeks…

There was a “running joke” that if Turkey were to make a dash for more land or gas deposits located in the south of the island, people around the globe wouldn't even know where Cyprus is located, let alone hear it on the news, but all of that has changed now…

Cyprus had banking issues; the market reacted.  Cyprus planning to sell its gold reserve; gold prices drop.  It clearly goes to show that Cyprus is part of the global economy, and going forward, Ankara should be fully aware of that.

Instead of threatening, it should be extending a hand of reconciliation… instead of sending and reinforcing troops to the northern part of the island, it should comply with international laws and obligations.  While we now have the global media’s attention on this island now looking for the mob bosses digging holes to secure their illegal money, maybe some in the warped media can now actually report some real news like the next time a Turkish war plane flies over the Republic of Cyprus.  Hey, it could happen…

It goes without saying, these past few weeks have been trying times for Cyprus, however with the media conversing on this island seeking blood, instead saw people waited in line at banks in a civilized manner and there were no towns burned down… For shame!  I guess the media came down here for a holiday which is a good thing because we need the money…  And yes, our world renowned hospitality still exists.

In short, Cypriots survived and hold their heads high after the Turkish invasion… and we can do it again.

Abschied!  That is, “goodbye” in German, my fellow bloggers… I know… it sounds a lot like Ape shit.  Ha!

US Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen: Time for Turkey to leave Cyprus in peace

(Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida Republican, is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee)

Long-standing occupation amounts to annexation

(The Washington Times) - Since its invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Turkey has claimed that it was acting as a protector and guarantor of the island’s security. But a closer examination of its actions on Cyprus indicates motivations of a very different character. Turkey’s invasion resulted in hundreds of thousands of Greek Cypriot refugees, who have been unable to return to their homes for almost 40 years. The international community has repeatedly condemned the illegal military occupation of Cyprus by Turkish troops. The United Nations Security Council has passed 75 resolutions calling for Turkey to allow Greek Cypriots to return to their homes and to withdraw its troops from Cyprus. Yet Turkey continues its occupation.

More than 40,000 heavily armed Turkish soldiers are occupying the northern part of the country, with one Turkish soldier for every two Turkish-Cypriots. The presence of this overwhelming force cannot be justified by the claims that they are needed to prevent any renewal of violence. In fact, since the 2003 opening of the border between the two communities, more than 17 million intercommunal visits have occurred without conflict.

The result of this occupation by foreign troops is that many Cypriot neighborhoods in the occupied areas remain vacant or in a state of disrepair. One of the most tragic examples is the Varosha region of Famagusta. Once an important commercial and tourism center for the island, Varosha was fenced off following the invasion, and access has been prohibited for all except Turkish military forces. Over the years, this area has become a virtual ghost town.

The desolation of Cypriot properties and cultural sites is not restricted to Varosha but is a reality in all the areas under Turkish military occupation. In fact, an estimated 520 Greek Orthodox churches and chapels, and 17 monasteries in the occupied areas have been pillaged, vandalized or destroyed. Often these religious sites have been converted into stables, bars, nightclubs, casinos or hotels, leaving more than 15,000 religious artifacts unaccounted for. This widespread destruction of Cypriot historic, religious and cultural identity certainly does not seem like the behavior of a “protective guardian.”

Read full article here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jun/15/time-for-turkey-to-leave-cyprus-in-peace/#ixzz2yilWkCJv 

Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter

British MPs to Clean up Desecrated Churches in the Occupied Areas

A group of British MPs and volunteers is to take part in a two day clean- up session of desecrated churches and cemeteries in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Conservative MP and Chairman of the British All Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus David Burrowes has announced. 

The proposed clean up session of a total of 18 churches and cemeteries is scheduled to take place between 9th and 13th May, cleaning days May 10 and May 11. The Cyprus Church will fund the initiative. A drive has already begun in London to recruit volunteers. 

The decision of the clean up session was taken following a visit by British MPs to the occupied areas where they witnessed the destruction of churches, cemeteries and other religious shrines. Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks have been underway with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof. 

The occupation regime in an effort to erase all Greek or Christian elements from the occupied areas has, from 1974 destroyed archeological sites, cemeteries and mainly churches. 

(source: cna) 

ECHR awards Greek Cypriots damages due to Turkish occupation

ECHR awards Greek Cypriots damages due to Turkish occupation

Turkey has been ordered to pay thousands of euro in damages to Greek Cypriots for violating their human right to peaceful enjoyment of their property in Cyprus’ northern Turkish occupied areas. 

The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday delivered its judgment regarding the allegation by 13 Greek Cypriot applicants (Lordos and Others v. Turkey) that “the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus following the 1974 conflict had deprived them of their homes and properties”. 

In its judgment today, the Court awarded each of the applicants between EUR 100,000 and EUR 8,000,000 “for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages and EUR 15,000 jointly to all applicants for costs and expenses”.

In its principal judgment, delivered on 2 November 2010, the Court held in particular that there had been a violation of Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 (protection of property) as concerns eight of the applicants and a violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) with regard to seven of the applicants.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey occupied 36,2 percent of the sovereign territory of the Republic and forcibly expelled about 180.000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. Another 20.000 Greek Cypriots, who had remained in the occupied areas, were also forced to eventually abandon their homes and seek refuge in the safety of the government controlled areas. Today, fewer than 500 enclaved Greek Cypriots remain in the occupied areas.

Turkey still deprives the displaced Greek Cypriots of their right to return to their homes and properties. This has given rise to appeals to the European Court of Human Rights, which has issued major decisions on Turkey’s violations of the European Convention.

Noble Energy’s Cyprus Drilling Beat Expectations, Politis Says

(Bloomberg) - The results of Noble Energy Inc. (NBL)’s exploratory drilling for oil and gas in Cyprus’s Block 12, which began in September, exceeded expectations, Politis reported today, without saying where it got the information.

The hydrocarbon reserves in Block 12 are comparable to those of Israel’s Leviathan site or larger, the Nicosia-based newspaper said on its website.

Cyprus before historic decisions for its future

(Famagusta Gazette) - Cyprus will have to take momentous decisions and take bold steps forward, which will potentially mark its course in history and reshape its strategic importance, Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis said in a speech titled “Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean: Strategic Location, Strategic opportunities” at the Director’s Forum of Woodrow Wilson Center.

Markoullis pointed out that developments in Cyprus will have an effect on its neighbourhood, since Cyprus is now in an unusual position of having greater say in its future, and being in a position to effect change.

“Indeed, a number of important factors appear to be coming together, and if this confluence, this convergence of interests is harnessed properly, the opportunities, for Cyprus, its partners and its neighbours can have enormously positive results”, she said.

Referring to the start of drilling operations by a Republic of Cyprus licensed US company, Noble Energy, within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in search of natural gas deposits, she said that initial findings have already shown positive results ranging between 3-9 Tcf of natural gas and official estimates are expected by the end of the year.

As regards developments in the discovery of hydrocarbon reservoirs in Israel and Cyprus, she said that they are significant on a number of levels.

“The positive results of the drilling in Israel and the preliminary results in Cyprus prove beyond doubt that the geological surveys and estimates on the presence of large quantities of hydrocarbons in the Levant basin, but also in the area south of Cyprus, have merit”, she said. She added that from an economic point of view the significance is great, since it will imply greater interest by other international companies for the second round of bidding to gain licenses for exploratory drilling in other parts of the Cypriot EEZ, and will also serve as a catalyst for financial investments in Cyprus.

Secondly, she said that once natural gas and possibly also oil are found in quantities and in quality that justifies further investments, this will lead to job creation, something that will also involve directly the economies of Cyprus' neighbours.

Markoullis also said that the momentum that will be created by the sort of investment in infrastructure and financial structures for the servicing of the energy industry, will serve as a catalyst towards greater cooperation among neighbours.

“The possibility of joint exploitation between the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the launching of joint projects, particularly in areas where the natural gas or petroleum fields fall across the line separating EEZ, not only does exist, but we are promoting this cooperation through Framework Agreements we are currently negotiating with Israel, Egypt and Lebanon concerning the Joint Development and Exploitation of Cross Median Line Hydrocarbons Reservoirs”, she said, adding that this kind of cooperation could become an indispensable tool that has the potential to change the whole political and economic scene of the entire region.

The Cypriot Minister has also expressed the position that hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will contribute towards greater energy security for Europe.

“As a member state of the EU we have a stake in its success. We believe that potential deposits of hydrocarbons in our Exclusive Economic Zone will benefit Europe, its economy, and by extension its international standing. Therefore, we look forward to cooperating closely with our European partners and linking them to our partners in our immediate neighbourhood, and possibly beyond, in establishing greater energy security, and by extension, broader economic security and stability”, she said.

Referring to bilateral agreements Cyprus has signed with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel for delineating of their Exclusive Economic Zones, she said that these agreements have introduced a new stabilizing dimension to the politics of the region.

The Foreign Minister pointed out that a Cyprus which is a member state of the European Union, a responsible actor within the international system, and which has good and constructive relations with its neighbours can serve as a catalyst for cooperation on the regional level and also offer the necessary platform for greater peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Referring to Turkey’s attitude and behaviour towards Cyprus, she said that the start of exploratory drilling in the Cypriot EEZ sparked a tirade of anger on the part of Turkish leaders, at the highest levels. Markoullis explained that the decisions and actions of the Republic of Cyprus to explore and exploit its natural resources within its EEZ are entirely legal falling within its sovereign rights as recognised by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, all EU member states and by all Permanent and Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council.

She referred to “blatant threats of violence and saber rattling which involved Turkish warships and aircraft, air and naval exercises in the sea south of Cyprus, and illegal seismic surveying and seabed mapping, carried out by ships on behalf of Turkey inside our EEZ in blatant violation of Cypriot sovereign rights”. She also mentioned the signing by Turkey of an agreement with its proxy in the occupied part of Cyprus, an agreement which seeks to create the semblance of legality in what cannot possibly be legal.

“But Turkey does not stop there. Its newfound confidence, based on real or imagined successes, its economic growth, and, I am sorry to say, the unbridled support it receives in some countries, has given rise to a neighbourhood bully”, she said.

Markoullis said that Turkey cares very little about the Turkish Cypriots and a great deal about its own selfish interests.

“It is even making claims for an imagined EEZ of its own which in some places borders on the EEZ of Egypt! It would be no exaggeration to say that Turkey is not just violating international law; it is following a conduct in international relations which belongs to another century, before international law was put in place to guide relations between states”, she said.

Reminding Cyprus’ support for Turkey’s European aspirations, she expressed her disappointment when seeing Turkey failing to progress along its European path.

“The negotiation process is not progressing; in fact it has remained frozen, because Turkey is failing to meet the European standards and its commitments to the European Union. It is failing because, like in international law, Turkey wants to dictate its own terms to the European Union”, she said.

“We are hopeful that the Turkey, which aspires to be recognised as a regional if not a global leader, will rise to the occasion. We are hopeful that the Turkish leadership will put aside polemics, diatribes, threats, and adopt a more mild and statesmanlike tone and attitude. We believe that there is room for Turkey to cooperate with its neighbours, out of genuine desire toward common ground and mutual benefit. To do that, Turkey must meet its obligations vis a vis the European Union. It must meet its obligations in terms of international law”, she said.

Referring to the UN-led direct talks for a solution in Cyprus, she said that after three years and 120 direct meetings between the two leaders, there is still no substantive progress on the most crucial issues of the executive powers in the governance chapter, as well as in the refugee, property, territory and citizenship chapters.

She explained that the main stumbling block has all along been the position maintained by the Turkish Cypriot side, fully supported by the Turkish Government, that the goal should not be a federation, in the form of one unbreakable federal state, with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, as has been agreed and endorsed by the international community, but a confederal arrangement between two separate states with separate sovereignties.

“Despite the difficulties and obstacles on the way, we continue to persist in our efforts to reunify our country in the form of a bizonal, bicommunal federation”, she said.

She added that the developments from the hydrocarbon discoveries in Cyprus’ EEZ, the prospects for prosperity for all Cypriots once reunification is achieved appear tremendous and should work as a catalyst in the direction of moving forward the talks towards reaching an agreement. She expressed the hope that Turkey, which could significantly benefit from a likely cooperation with a reunited Cyprus in all sectors, but primarily in the energy field, will grasp the message of peace, stability and prosperity.

Hurriyet: Why the Turkish military bombed mosques in Cyprus

Article Below is From The Turkish Hurriyet Daily News
By MUSTAFA AKYOL Dated 9/28/2010 12:00:00 AM

We just learned that our officers bombed mosques in Cyprus to 'raise resistance' against 'enemies without.' We now wonder whether they used similar techniques also against 'enemies within'?

Last week, Sabri Yirmibeşoğlu, a retired Turkish general, said something that shocked the nation. During an interview by Habertürk, a popular news channel, he said that the Turkish military had bombed mosques in Cyprus in the past and put the blame on the Greeks. “Such attacks and sabotages on sacred values are done and portrayed as if the enemy did them,” he explained. “The purpose is to raise the resistance of the people.”

The 82-year-old Yirmibeşoğlu was probably not aware of the possible impact of this revelation, which he made just in passing, as if it were a trivial detail. But since then, the media has hotly debated what the bombed mosque story really is, and what it tells us about the amazing adventures of our military.

[HH]Manufacturing contempt

As Yıldıray Oğur, a columnist in daily Taraf, wrote, the operation the ex-general refers to is probably the bombings of the Bayraktar and Ömeriye mosques in Nicosia on the night of March 24, 1962. The incident, naturally, inflamed Cypriot Turks, who organized demonstrations against the Greeks of the island, who they thought were responsible. (Their “resistance,” in other words, was “raised.”)

A few weeks later, though, a local newspaper run by two Cypriot Turks, Ahmet Muzaffer Gürkan, 38, and Ayhan Hikmet, 35, wrote that the bombings had not been done by Greeks at all. And, lo and behold, these two men were both assassinated on that very same night, on April 23, 1962. (Perhaps we need another talkative ex-general to fully shed light on that part of the story.)

Now, all this, of course, is deeply troubling. It shows that the Turkish military intentionally increased tension between the Turks and Greeks of Cyprus, paving the way for more tragic events in the years to come and the partial occupation of the island by Turkey in 1974. Since then, as you would know, Cyprus has been one of the world’s unsolved problems.

To be sure, this should not mean that only the Turkish side was responsible for the intra-communal violence in Cyprus. The nationalists on the Greek side, organized under the infamous EOKA, or National Organization of Cypriot Fighters, were fanatic and violent, and they killed many innocent Turks. (Who knows, perhaps they had their little tricks to “raise resistance” on their side as well.)

Today, what matters more to me as a Turk is the bitter fact that our military has seen it legitimate to commit false flag terror operations to manipulate the psychology our people. This raises troubling questions:

- If they have done this in Cyprus, have they also done similar things at home?

- If they have bombed places to “raise resistance” against “enemies without,” have they also used similar techniques against “enemies within”?

I don’t want be paranoid. That’s why I often don’t agree with some of my liberal friends who see the fingerprints of the “deep state” in almost every political assassination and social turmoil in recent history. I rather believe that evil is “banal,” and horrible things can happen spontaneously without the need for a “master evildoer.”

But some episodes in our recent history are indeed too suspicious, and Gen. Yirmibeşoğlu’s revelation only makes them more so. Take the Ergenekon case. This controversial trial has many details, but two of its allegations are crucial: that the two terrorist acts in 2006, the bombing of ultra-secularist daily Cumhuriyet (which killed nobody) and the shooting of a secularist judge, were false flag operations to put the blame on “the Islamists.”

These two attacks certainly “raised resistance” among the country’s secular-minded masses against the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, government, which the Ergenekon folks clearly wanted to overthrow. So, if these two acts were “operations” of the type that Gen. Yirmibeşoğlu spoke about, than we should grant that they were successful ones. Otherwise, they were just extremely lucky coincidences. I now find the first option even more credible.

[HH]Internal affairs

Now, let me briefly touch upon something else: My column neighbor Burak Bekdil, with whom I often disagree, has written about me again. This time, he proposed a “sociological experiment” which he and I would join together to measure whether secular or religious Turks are more liberal-minded people — by going to their neighborhoods and saying things that will offend them.

But that proposal, as fun as it may be, misses my point. I did not say, “Religious Turks are more tolerant to insult than secular ones.” (And even if I did, Mr. Bekdil should have added an “insulting Atatürk” line to his experiment, to make it fair.)

I just argued that the link between secularism and political liberalism, which many Westerners take for granted, doesn’t exist in Turkey. Here, secularism rather goes hand in hand with nationalism, whereas liberal ideas are increasingly popular among religious conservatives. If Mr. Bekdil wants to test that hypothesis with an experiment, he just can try some of his ultra-secularist friends and simply ask, “Why do you loathe both the conservatives and the liberals so much?”

Benedict XVI is the first Pope to visit Cyprus

German Chancellor Merkel urges Turkey to open its ports to ships and planes from Cyprus

SELCAN HACAOGLU, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

March 29, 2010 10:10 a.m.

(Metronews.ca) - ANKARA, Turkey - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is stressing that Turkey should open its ports to ships and planes from Cyprus, which is a member of the European Union.

Turkey began EU membership talks in 2005 but some areas of negotiation are frozen because Turkey refuses to allow ships and planes from Cyprus to enter its ports and airspace.

Merkel has said Turkey should be given a "privileged partnership" that falls short of full EU membership. She said Monday that the matter of Cyprus "must be "addressed."

Turkey insists that what it calls an unofficial trade embargo on the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state be lifted.

Statements by the Foreign Minister on the Orams case

(PIO) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou, invited by the press to say how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to utilize the British Court of Appeal decision in the case Apostolides v Orams, stated the following:

“The implementation and the execution of the decision is now a legal obligation and we will be following the developments closely. Of course, of exceptional importance to us are the broader consequences and the wider significance of this decision in conjunction with the important Judgement of the European Court, which was in essence adopted by the British Court as well. This decision points out certain legal facts that are very important.

First of all, it is applicable throughout Europe and it applies to all European citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will become active - we have already been active since the decision of the European Court but now we will become more active, so that the significance of the decision, the illegality of purchasing immovable property and the existing risks for the buyers in illegally purchasing occupied property can be made known to all European citizens. Consequently it is a decision that binds all the member states and the citizens of the European Union and can be executed in the countries where they live.

Secondly, which is also very important, the combination of the European and British decision reaffirms that - irrespective of the occupation and the practical weakness of the state to exercise control on the occupied areas - the Laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus still apply. This is a message that must be sent, not only to the citizens, the private buyers, but also to the governments of all foreign states, especially the European ones, and all those carrying out business in the occupied areas; the reminder that anything they do must be done with respect for the Laws of the Republic of Cyprus, and of course this also applies for the European Commission which, through various regulations that have been adopted to strengthen the Turkish Cypriot community, is active in the occupied areas.
Thirdly, and this concerns of course the talks in Cyprus, the legitimacy of the positions presented by our side is reaffirmed concerning, not only who the legitimate owners of occupied properties are, but also who should have a say in the management and the fate of this right, who is of course the owner.

So, I totally disagree with the approach of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I do not believe that this decision will complicate the talks. On the contrary, it reaffirms the legitimacy of our proposals and I believe that this should be accepted also by the other side”.

ECHR finds Turkey guilty...again

The Court found violations of the right to life in the cases of Kallis and Androulla Panayi v. Turkey and Andreou v. Turkey. The applicants complained about injuries and a death caused by the Turkish armed forces in the United Nations buffer zone in Cyprus.

European Court condemns Turkey of human rights violations in Cyprus

(Financial Mirror) - The fourth section of the European Court of Human Rights issued today its decisions on two cases Greek Cypriots brought against Turkey, condemning Ankara of violation of the right to life, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human rights.

The first case, concerning the application of Kallis and Androulla Panayi against Turkey, the Court ruled that there was a violation of Article 2, of the Convention and awarded 35,000 euro each in respect of non-pecuniary damages and 9,888,30 euro for costs and expenses.

Androulla and Kallis Panayi's son, Stellios, 19, at the time serving with the armed forces, was killed in June 1996 by the Turkish occupation forces when he entered the UN buffer zone, while off duty and unarmed. When members of the UN Peace keeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) attempted to reach him in order to provide medical treatment needed to save his life, the Turkish armed forces fired and did not allow it, as a result of which he died.

The Turkish government disputed the facts presented by the applicants, claiming that Panayi was ''fully armed, making gestures by hand and calling the Turkish Cypriot soldiers to go over to him.''

Disputing Turkey's allegations that Panayi was armed, the Court ruled ''that although Stelios had been wearing uniform and hence one could have assumed that he might have carried a gun, that fact alone could not in the circumstances have justified the shots fired at him,'' adding ''the Turkish soldiers had been in complete control of the area and Stelios’ behaviour had not posed a threat to them; consequently the soldiers would have been able to stop him without jeopardising his life.''

''The Court found unanimously that Stelios Panayi had been killed by representatives of the Turkish authorities who had used excessive force, not justified by the circumstances of the case, in violation of Article 2,'' the judgment said.

The second case concerns Georgia Andreou, now deceased, a British national who was shot by Turkish soldiers on 14 August 1996, during the tensions that followed the death Anastasios Isaak, kicked and beaten to death by Turkish-Cypriot policemen and counter-demonstrators three days earlier at a motorcycle rally in protest against the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

Although outside the buffer zone, she sustained a serious gunshot wound to her abdomen; she was immediately taken to hospital where she was operated on. Moreover, according to a press release, issued following the incident by the UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), two of its high-ranking members had seen uniformed Turkish or Turkish-Cypriot military personnel kneeling down and firing in the direction of the demonstrators inside the UN buffer zone.

As a result, two British UNFICYP soldiers and two Greek-Cypriot civilians (one of whom was the applicant) were hit by gunfire. According to the ECHR, this version of events was also confirmed in a report by the UN Secretary General.

''The indiscriminate and unwarranted firing into the crowd which was gathering inside and outside the buffer zone had put numerous lives at risk. The fact that the applicant had not been killed was fortuitous. Nor was the seriousness of her injuries, corroborated by the medical reports, in dispute between the parties. The Court therefore considered that, irrespective of whether or not the soldiers had actually intended to kill Ms Andreou, she had been the victim of conduct which by its very nature had put her life at risk, even though, in the event, she had actually survived. Article 2 was therefore applicable in the applicant’s case,'' the Court ruling notes.

Consequently, under Article 41 (just satisfaction) of the Convention, the Court awarded Ms Andreou’s husband and children 585,68 euro (EUR) in respect of pecuniary damages, EUR 40,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damages and EUR 10,000 in respect of costs and expenses.

Greek Prime Minister meets President Christofias

Reuters Pictures

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou walks with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias during his state visit to the east Mediterranean island, in Larnaca October 19, 2009. The two leaders meet to discuss Turkey's prospects of entering the EU and their bilateral relations.




(Latest News Archive, From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server)

1. President Christofias meets Greek Prime Minister
2. Statements by President Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece
3. Address by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias at the state dinner in Honour of the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou
   

1. President Christofias meets Greek Prime Minister


The President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias had a meeting yesterday at the Presidential Palace with the newly-elected Greek Prime Minister Mr George Papandreou, who is paying a two-day official visit to Cyprus, his first official visit abroad since assuming office.

Mr Papandreou, heading a delegation, arrived yesterday morning at Larnaka Airport where he was welcomed by President Christofias, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Markos Kyprianou and the Undersecretary to the President Dr Titos Christofides.

The official welcoming ceremony for the Greek Premier was held at noon yesterday at the Presidential Palace. President Christofias and Prime Minister Papandreou then entered the Presidential Palace for a tête-à-tête meeting, followed by talks with the participation of their delegations.

Mr Papandreou later signed the Presidential Palace guest book, in which he wrote the following:

“Greece is once again by the side of the Cyprus Republic, actively, not in words but in practice. No one must forget, and we don’t forget, that the cause of the Cyprus problem is the invasion and occupation by Turkish troops. We are ready to cooperate with the leadership of Cyprus, President Demetris Christofias, for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN decisions and in agreement and harmony with the European acquis communautaire”.


2. Statements by President Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece


Greece and Cyprus have decided to continue their cooperation to promote a solution to the Cyprus problem and to utilize the December landmark, when Turkey’s EU course will be assessed, the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou stated, yesterday, after their official talks in Nicosia.

“It is the common conviction of Greece and Cyprus that Turkey’s EU course would be to the benefit of both countries”, Mr Papandreou said.

He added that he is not in favour of a special relationship of Turkey with the EU, but supports the possibility, the right of Turkey to become a full member of the EU, as long as it fulfills its obligations to the EU and contributes to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

He also said that it is necessary to utilize the European framework in the most effective way and noted that the European Council of December is important because it will assess Turkey's EU course, objectively and strictly.

Mr Papandreou said that the efforts will continue, always with the aim of peace and cooperation among the peoples of the region, adding that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be just and viable.

President Christofias expressed his warm thanks and gratitude because Cyprus and the Cyprus problem constitute a personal priority of Mr Papandreou and his Government.

He said that Greece is Cyprus’ main supporter in the struggle for the solution of the Cyprus problem, and that with Mr Papandreou they discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and Euro -Turkish relations, noting that there is full identity of views.

President Christofias assured that he will continue to work for the solution of the Cyprus problem with the same determination and stressed that he expects the same stance from the Turkish Cypriot side.

He further said that Turkey’s good will and cooperation is needed, but unfortunately, so far, Turkey has done nothing in the direction of the solution or of fulfilling its obligations to the EU.

Cyprus and Greece support Turkey's European prospect, but not without preconditions, he said, and underlined the need to utilize the December landmark.


3. Address by the President of the Republic Mr Demetris Christofias at the state dinner in Honour of the Prime Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou


It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Cyprus once again, friend George Papandreou, this time as Prime Minister of Greece. I wish you, Mr. Prime Minister, every success in the work you are undertaking at such a difficult but also decisive moment.

Cyprus and Greece have been linked since ancient times and constantly over the centuries. Greeks and Cypriots have always responded to every call of Cyprus and Greece respectively for help at difficult times, ready for every personal and collective assistance and sacrifice. We are also united by the firm, irrefutable, deep roots of a common language, conscience, common culture, common religion and common values.

Allow me, Mr. Prime Minister, to express, on behalf of the Cypriot people and myself personally, warm thanks, because as you have repeatedly and publicly stated, Cyprus is your personal priority as well as the priority, of your new Government. The international recognition and respect bestowed on you, as well as your active and tireless involvement in foreign policy issues will undoubtedly assist our common effort for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution which will be based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the principles on which the EU is based. A solution which will put an end to the illegal Turkish occupation and will free Cyprus of foreign troops and illegal settlers.

In this effort for the reunification of Cyprus, Mr. Prime Minister, we need the assistance of all, but primarily we look forward to your assistance and co-operation on the basis of the mutual support and respect between two states bound by fraternal relations.
I take this opportunity to thank you whole-heartedly for your full support of our initiatives and efforts for the solution of the problem. I would like to assure you that our co-operation for the accomplishment of our common goals will be close and on a daily basis.

Dear friend, Mr. Prime Minister, after the fall of the dictatorship in Greece, relations between Cyprus and Greece, between the Cypriot and the Greek peoples, were placed on a new basis of mutual respect, solidarity and fraternal friendship and cooperation.

During all these years of the terrible ordeal of the difficult anti-occupation struggle, the leadership and the people of Cyprus have felt the warm embrace of the people, the political forces and the democratic Governments of Greece.

Any problems appearing during this course were not able to cast a shadow on the multifaceted and excellent fraternal relations between the states and the peoples of Greece and Cyprus.

The enhancement of the multifaceted, excellent relations between Cyprus and Greece gained momentum after Cyprus' accession to the European Union. The horizons for common action in all fields have expanded dramatically and the possibilities of co-operation in the political, economic, educational and cultural sectors, both bilaterally and in the framework of international organizations, have multiplied.

During our talks today we observed a natural identity of views on the issues of intense common interest, the Cyprus problem and the Euro-Turkish issues. At the same time, we expressed our will for further development of our multifaceted and excellent bilateral relations and our convergence on regional and international issues: the political problems of our region, as well as wider international problems such as the scourge of famine, the dangers of climate change and the global economic crisis. It is not just that we find common points of reference in the framework of our co-operation within the European Union. It is also that we share the view that man should be at the epicenter of politics, of the economy and of every human activity.

Mr. Prime Minister,

Ordinary people and the effort to secure a life of dignity for all has always been at the heart of my political route. At the same time, in a semi-occupied Cyprus with our future survival as a small country under serious threat, the political party which I come from and I, myself, feel a strong sense of duty towards our homeland.

As you know, since the first moment of my election to the position of President of the Republic I have undertaken initiatives and made gestures of good will in order to finally overcome the deadlock and achieve the desired solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of Cyprus. After the preliminary work and the clarification of the basis of the talks we began, on 3 September 2008, comprehensive negotiations with Mr. Talat.

The basis of the talks is determined and it originates from the Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979. It is this basis of a United Federal Cyprus Republic, which is composed of two federal entities and is a state with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship that we confirmed with Mr. Talat before the commencement of the direct talks. Furthermore, the fact that Mr. Talat rose to the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community with the support of the progressive, pro-peace parties due to his positions in favour of the need for a speedy solution of the Cyprus problem that would reunify Cyprus, raised the expectation of the public at large that progress at the talks would normally be relatively easy. Unfortunately, this expectation did not materialize. Despite convergence on some issues, significant divergence and disagreements on fundamental aspects of the problem still remain.

Nevertheless, I would like to assure you that we are not disappointed by the difficulties and we remain committed to our goal, steadfast on principles and facing the difficulties with a calm attitude, as well as with good will and flexibility. What is at stake is of vital importance and it relates to our survival. Therefore, we have a historic responsibility to work consistently and with determination for the success of this endeavour.

Our goal is a free, independent and prosperous Cyprus, in which all citizens, regardless of ethnic origin, will be equal and enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without restrictions and foreign guardianships.

The Greek Cypriot community, under the leadership of the late President Makarios, made the great historic compromise in accepting the transformation of the unitary state to a bicommunal bizonal federation, aiming to pave the way for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Unfortunately, Turkey has not been helpful so far. The National Security Council’s official Press releases and similarly, the statements of the political leadership of Turkey, stand in favour of a solution that is contrary to the relevant UN Resolutions and outside the common basis that was agreed before the commencement of the negotiations. Consequently, public statements from Turkey about supporting the process remain void of substantial content.

We have the political will and we are ready for an agreement which will reunite the country, the economy, the institutions and our people. If Turkey shows a positive spirit and acts within the framework of respect for international law and human rights, then the necessary prerequisites will be created for a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem. This is so, because such behaviour will have a positive effect in the direction of both sides/ speaking the language of federation during the talks and we will reach a solution.
It is Turkey’s obligation to do this, as it is its obligation to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, normalize its relations with it and implement the Ankara Protocol. Unfortunately, however, Turkey continues not to comply with its obligations towards the EU.
Cyprus and Greece consciously take a positive stance towards the full accession of Turkey to the EU. However, accession does not entail only benefits for Turkey but also obligations, the same as for every other candidate country.

This coming December the EU will evaluate Turkey’s progress as to the extent to which it has proceeded with the necessary reforms and whether it is fulfiling its obligations. We will stand firm on our demand that the evaluation be just and objective and that where there are deficiencies there will be no blank-checks. We are not aiming for the punishment of Turkey, but the fulfilment of the obligations it has undertaken and, foremost, at its positive contribution to the solution of the Cyprus problem. If however, Turkey continues to act arrogantly and provocatively and refuses to fulfil its obligations, it must become clear, that it cannot continue on the road to accession, unhindered and without repercussions.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

In this effort we are aided by the Greek Government and the Greek people and we are optimistic that with patience and the adherence to principles we will succeed.

Allow me to raise a toast to your and your family’s, health. I also wish you every success with your work and progress and prosperity to the people of Greece.

Barking up the wrong trees

Reuters Pictures

(Cyprus Weekly) - It’s all well and good for President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to plant olive trees in a symbolic, albeit tacky, ceremony at the UN headquarters yesterday.

The picture of the two leaders - and that of the UN envoy watering the two saplings to demonstrate that the world body wants to help the peace process along - will doubtless strike a chord as the international community looks for closure of the long-running dispute in Cyprus.

But no amount of tree planting will bring results on the ground. And it will take more than goodwill and cordial ties between the leaders of the two communities to reach a settlement that will be lasting, if it is both just and viable.

The Greek Cypriot side and this newspaper may sound like a stuck record. But, in the final analysis, it is Ankara that holds the key to peace. And it is Ankara that must be made to understand that it does not befit a country seeking a place in the European Union to occupy another country, a member of the very club it wants to join.

And this is where the European Commission has let us down. This is the body that proclaims its role to be the interests of the EU as a whole rather than the interests of individual member states.

Yet, when it came to assessing Turkey’s accession progress it opted to placate, rather than to tell an aspiring EU member that the least it could do is comply with what has been asked of it – such as recognising the Republic of Cyprus and opening its ports and airports to Cyprus traffic.

If the EU can look the other way when a country so blatantly ignores its rules, then why does it make such a big deal of its accession criteria?

No-one is naive enough to expect an all-out attack against Turkey. Many would argue that this would only be counter-productive, serving to alienate a country the EU and the US firmly believe best suits their interests to be inside the bloc, rather than harbouring grievances outside it.

But this policy will collapse unless Turkey is made to understand that it must earn its place in the EU. And this means adopting its principles – even to a country its does not recognise.

Congressmen call on Obama to seek Turkey's cooperation on Cyprus

(Financial Mirror) - Fifty five Congressmen have urged US President Barack Obama ''to impress upon Turkey that a solution to the Cyprus problem cannot be reached without its full and constructive cooperation, both in the process and in the outcome of the negotiations for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, and without the withdrawal of its military forces from Cyprus.''

In a letter to Obama, dated 5 October, the 55 Congressmen welcome the commitment demonstrated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat who have been engaged in direct negotiations since September 2008 with the aim of reunifying the island.

''Only a well-prepared and mutually agreed settlement based on the universal principles of international law and human rights, the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, and the principles on which the European Union is founded would guarantee a just, viable and lasting solution,'' they stress.

They also reiterate their support for the reunification of the island and its people in a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded, and comprising two politically equal communities as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, adding that ''such a solution for Cyprus would respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.''

They also note that a solution to the Cyprus problem must come from the Cypriots themselves and serve first and foremost their interests, which can be achieved if the Cypriots retain ownership of the process which should not be subjected to strict timeframes or arbitration.

''Ultimately however, the key to a successful outcome of the negotiating process and reunification of the island remains with Ankara. Turkey must give the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community the necessary freedom to negotiate a solution within the established framework and facilitate that solution with the removal of its troops from Cyprus,'' they conclude.

Wind farm first for Cyprus

(Cyprus Weekly) - By Lucie Robson

The ground breaking ceremony for Cyprus’s first wind farm took place in the Orites area of Paphos on Wednesday marking a significant milestone in the island’s development of its renewable energy capability.

“This occasion marks a historic day for the progress of our country towards ‘green development’,” said House President, Marios Garoyian at the ground-breaking.

The first such installation of its kind in Cyprus, the wind farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2010 and will produce 8% of the island’s total energy capacity.

The wind farm is located on the Orites Mountain on a site spread over 16 square kilometres.

The project has a capacity of 82MW in its first phase, with approved capacity for 140MW when complete.

Orites, the first private-sector power project on the island, is also the first to benefit from the new 20-year fixed rate tariff that has recently been approved by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Commission. Construction began last month, with operations scheduled to start at the end of 2010.

Managed by DK Wind Supply Ltd, financing for the project was secured by Platina Partners LLP, a private equity fund advisor specialising in renewable energy.

Financing for the project was secured by Platina Partners. Debt financing was arranged by Commerzbank, ING and Nord LB, with EIB providing 50% of the debt.

The ceremony was attended by Akis Ellinas, Chairman of DK Wind Supply, Thomas Rottner and Emma Collins of Platina Partners, House President, Marios Garoyian, Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis, EIB Vice-President, Plutarchos Sakellaris and Deputy High Commissioner for Cyprus, Brian Olley.

The blessing was given by the Senior Diocesan Official Father Geronimo.

In an official statement, Ellinas spoke of the benefits of wind power: “At a time when climate change climbs to the top of the political agenda, wind energy continues to be the only advanced technology ready and able to deliver renewable power on a large scale,” he said.

“Our project is the biggest investment in renewable energy and the first wind energy investment in Cyprus. It represents an investment amounting to €170m.”

Orites is expected to save Cyprus from a hefty EU fine on CO2 emissions and will help the island meet its quota of 6% renewable energy production in 2010.

The project will contribute significantly to the Government’s target of producing 13% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. It also represents 27% of the required installed wind energy capacity of 300MW by 2020. The implementation of the project was mindful of environmental aspects and is bringing together know-how from leading EU companies including Vestas and Siemens.

“Financing the first renewable energy project in Cyprus was an exciting challenge and we are delighted to have helped secure the first wind project on the island,” said Thomas Rottner of Platina Partners.

“As well as being an important milestone in the continuing expansion of Platina’s European renewable energy portfolio, the success in financing Orites in tight debt markets demonstrates that credit is still available for the best projects.”


Future of renewable energy finance

EIB Vice-President, Plutarchos Sakellaris, spoke of the future of the bank’s financing of renewable energy projects.

“Orites is the largest and most advanced wind farm in Cyprus. It paves the way for further developments in the sector, and brings the Cypriot Government closer to its target and EU’s objective for renewable energy production,” he said.

“The EU objective for renewable energy will be a major challenge, as the required investment could be in the order of €600-700b up to 2020. We at the EIB are ready to play a strong and active role in supporting the Member States’ efforts with adequate funding and adapted finance products.”

Cypriot and British business cooperation was highlighted by British Deputy High Commissioner, Brian Olley.

“I welcome the collaboration between Cypriot and UK companies - the sharing of expertise and know how - which has helped make this possible,” he said.


Green initiatives stressed

The launch comes just days after an EU conference on renewable energy took place in Paphos which was attended by key stakeholders from Cyprus and Greece.

Speaking at the conference, the Swedish EU Presidency stressed the need for business to embrace ‘green’ initiatives.

“It is impossible to develop our economies without firm action on climate and the environment,” it said. “A low carbon economy is the only way towards growth.”

CYPRUS PRESIDENT - INDEPENDENCE DAY - MESSAGE

(CNA) - President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said on Wednesday that the evaluation of Turkey`s EU accession course in December provides Turkey with the opportunity to prove that it really wishes a solution to the Cyprus problem, and warned that if Turkey continues to provoke the EU, by refusing to meet its obligations, it will not be able to continue its accession course unobstructed.

He added that Cyprus` support to Turkey`s EU course was a strategic decision, in order to create the dynamics for a solution, noting that a solution should be based on principles and be the product of negotiations and agreement between the two communities.

In a message to the people for the October 1 anniversary of the independence of Cyprus, President Christofias referred to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, which is ``a common success of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots,`` and added that ``we owe honour and gratitude to those who fought and fell to liberate our homeland, to defend the independence, democracy and territorial integrity of our homeland all these years.``

President Christofias referred to the ``Cyanean Rocks, adventures and tragedies`` of the newly established Republic of Cyprus, the high levels of growth and progress achieved by the people of Cyprus, and the events of 1974.

He also referred to the efforts that led to the resumption of the dialogue for a Cyprus settlement, noting that the agreed basis is ``a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in relevant UN resolutions, for a single state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity.``

``We are pursuing a solution that will safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the whole of our people. It is our view that Cyprus, an EU member state, does not need guarantees and guardians with intervention rights,`` he added.

President Christofias said that the first round of negotiations ``was concluded with some relative progress, which however is not enough.``

``Nevertheless, we continue the negotiations with the same determination. We knew from the beginning that the path of the negotiations would be neither easy nor strewn with rose petals. The path of the negotiations is difficult and uphill but we who are seeking a solution and reunification, permanent peace and security, the restoration and safeguarding of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots, it is a one-way street,`` he pointed out.

He said that ``our effort is to achieve a solution the soonest possible, because the passing of time creates more problems,`` adding that ``we will not accept a solution that is not based on principles, and we will not accept a solution that is not the product of negotiations and agreement between the two communities.``

President Christofias said that, ``with the policy we are implementing, we managed to convince the international community that the process for a settlement belongs to the Cypriots, that there will be neither arbitration nor deadlines.``

``Despite the problems in the negotiations, I continue to state that I am reservedly optimistic. With the continuation of the comprehensive strategy we are following, with calmness and insistence on the fundamental principles of the solution, which we have collectively discussed at the National Council, we can reached the long-awaited solution,`` he said.

He pointed out that, ``in order for this to happen, it is a necessary prerequisite that Turkey changes its stance,`` adding that Turkey ``holds the key to the solution and must use it.``

``The time has come for Turkey to prove that it really wishes a solution. The evaluation of its EU accession course in December provides Turkey with this opportunity. By meeting the obligations it has undertaken towards the EU and its member states, and by constructively contributing to efforts for a solution, Turkey will above all help itself. We warn Turkey that if it continues to provoke the EU, by refusing to meet its obligations, it will not be able to continue its accession course unobstructed,`` he said.

President Christofias noted that Cyprus` support to Turkey`s EU course was a strategic decision, in order to create the dynamics for a solution. ``Our support is not a blank checque. It is up to Turkey to cash it,`` he added.

He also referred to the need for unity on the home front in order for the struggle of the people of Cyprus to be successful, and assured that ``establishing unity is a standing aim of our government.``

President Christofias noted that the recent meeting of the National Council, top advisory body to the President of the Republic on the handling of the Cyprus problem, and the issuing of a joint statement with the contribution of all members of the body, was ``an important step to create unity on the home front.``

Regarding other challenges faced by Cyprus, President Christofias said the vision of his government was to build a more just society, which will be able to meet the reasonable needs of the citizens.

He also referred to the global financial crisis, which ``unavoidably adversely affects the economy of Cyprus as well,`` and expressed optimism that the problems would be overcome.

``I assure the citizens that the commitments contained in the programme of my government will be implemented. The financial crisis may delay the implementation of some of them, which is a natural development under the circumstances, but all promises will be kept,`` he said.

President Christofias also sent a message of confidence and optimism to all, as well as a special message of friendship and cooperation to the Turkish Cypriots.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat have been engaged in UN-led direct negotiations since September 2008, with an aim to reunite the island.

President Demetris Christofias in New York

(Photos Of the President and his wife Elsi
at the Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York
September 26, 2009. Click on images to enlarge.)

Last night, the President addressed an event organized by the Cyprus Federation of America to honour veteran Greek Cypriot community leader Hambis Nicolaou with the “Justice for Cyprus” award. During his address, the President touched on the Cyprus issue. He mentioned that "we are struggling to persuade the world that the international law, the United Nations Charter, European Union values and all human rights conventions, international or European, are violated in Cyprus".

Christofias said that the paradox is that Turkey which is the perpetrator in the case of Cyprus, appears, with the support of its powerful friends, to be the victim “and us, who we are the victims, appear to be the perpetrators”.

He also stressed that the fact that the Greek Cypriot side accepted the bizonal, bicommunal federation as the solution to the Cyprus problem has been a historic compromise and expressed regret that "many of our interlocutors ask from us to make more concessions."

Referring to the Annan plan he said that the Greek Cypriot side had to reject it even if it was prepared by the former UN Secretary General, noting that the plan was not fair or balanced and the solution would not be viable and functional.

President Christofias reassured that he will continue his struggle for the vindication of the people of Cyprus.