FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER NR. 77 / OCTOBER 2018

Contents

1. Cyprus Problem ...... 2

2. Hydrocarbons ...... 5

3. Greek Cypriots ...... 6

Economic Developments ...... 6 Domestic Developments ...... 6 Labour Relations and Trade Unions ...... 7

4. Turkish Cypriots ...... 10

Economic Developments ...... 10 Relations with Turkey ...... 10 Domestic Developments ...... 10 Labour Relations and Trade Unions ...... 12

5. FES Cyprus Events ...... 12

FES NEWS

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

1. Cyprus Problem ing with everyone including the Greek Cypriots, Akinci said it was “natural and necessary” for In October, a new model of a solution to the the island’s guarantor powers to meet “other Cyprus problem made headlines. On October 8, relevant sides” but urged caution: “Firstly, if during a National Council meet¬ing held these contacts turn out to be regular, it might between the Greek Cypriot political leaders create an impression that the Turkish Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades suggested the side is being excluded … The impression should idea of a “loose” or a “decentralised not be created that the Turkish Cypriots are a federa¬tion” as an option towards a solution to minor, insignificant detail.” Later in the month, the Cyprus problem. The idea of a loose federa- it emerged that Greek Cypriot President Nicos tion was suggested following Anastasiades Anastasiades met with Turkish Foreign Minister return from New York where he attended the Mevlut Cavusoglu on the side-lines of the Unit- UN Gen¬eral Assembly in September and after ed Nations General Assembly in New York in hav¬ing a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister September. Reports of the meeting were con- Mevlut Cavusoglu. According to Kibris Postasi, firmed by Greek Cypriot government spokes- Mustafa Akinci had made clear that he would man Prodromos Prodromou. Few days later, rather resign than table any model of solution Akinci responded through his social media other than a federal sys¬tem while TRNC For- account to comments that he has been side- eign Minister, Kudret Ozersay, also rejected the lined in the negotiation process by Ankara. He idea of a loose feder¬ation if this was offered said that, numerous comments questioning his ‘because [the Greek Cypriot] side has difficulty position had been made after he drew attention sharing power with us and if it states that Turk- to the dangers that could arise if Turkey and the ish Cypriots should for this reason be excluded Greek Cypriot administration were to increase from active and effective participation in deci- the frequency of their contacts. “Most of these sion making’. Nev¬ertheless, Cavusoglu noted in comments have expressed the view that I, as an interview with Anadolu News Agency pub- the Turkish Cypriot leader, have been side-lined lished on October 23 that Turkey is open to from the process. Within the context of the alternative solutions but stressed that prior to a Cyprus Problem, it is the Turkish Cypriot people new round of talks, a decision must be made on who have elected and authorized me as their whether the sought solution would be on the leader and President1. Only the people may basis of a federation, confederation, a two-state solution or another system. 1 The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is only recognised by the Republic of Turkey. While for On October 5, in response to an earlier state- Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, Mustafa Akinci serves as President of the TRNC, the international ment by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut community considers him the communal leader of Cavusoglu who had stated that they were meet- the Turkish Cypriots. As the government of the Re-

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

have the power to dismiss me from such a posi- Cypriot leadership and Turkey are discarding tion. The rest is empty chatter” he said. the bicommunal, bizonal federation model and in stark contrast to his previous reports, On October 15 UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres neither mentioned a bizonal, bicom- Guterres delivered to the UN Security Council munal federation as the model of a solution, the much anticipated report from the Good nor the convergences reached during the previ- Offices in Cyprus. According to the report ous negotiations by Mustafa Akinci and Nicos Guterres assessed “that prospects for a com- Anastasiades. He only made a weak reference prehensive settlement between the communi- to the Guterres framework of six points. ties on the island remain alive”. Guterres more- over tasked Special Envoy, Jane Holl Lute to Both sides in Cyprus cherry-picked the parts of carry out another fact-finding mission before the UNSG’s report that supported their respec- formal negotiations resume to explore the will- tive positions. On the one hand the Greek Cyp- ingness of the two sides to propose new ideas. riot side pointed out that the Guterres report The Secretary General noted in particular that mentioned that any new attempt should be “continued support for a horizon of endless pro- well prepared and that tensions over hydrocar- cess without result lies behind us, not before bons should be avoided. The Turkish Cypriot us… I note the widespread consensus that an side was pleased to see that the report reflect- unchanging status quo – i.e., the lack of resolu- ed their position that a new process should not tion on the Cyprus issue – is not sustainable”. be open ended, but results-oriented. With regards to hydrocarbons Guterres noted that these “should benefit both communities On October 25, trade unions from the World and should provide a strong incentive for all Trade Unions Federation and the Bi-communal Peace Initiative presented the two leaders a concerned parties to work in earnest towards a mutually acceptable and durable solution.” He joint declaration highlighting the urgency of the moreover stressed that efforts should be made settlement of the Cyprus problem. The trade to avoid unnecessary escalation in the coming unions also demanded the talks aimed at resolving the problem to restart as soon as pos- months and to pursue dialogue on this issue. Among revelations suggesting that the Greek sible.

The opening of the Dherynia and Lefka border public of Cyprus remains internationally recognised crossings was announced by the Turkish and as the government of the whole of the island, the Greek Cypriot leaders as part of the confidence entire island is now considered to be a member of building measures. On October 26 according to the European Union. However, the acquis commu- nautaire is suspended in northern Cyprus pending a a joint statement issued after a meeting political settlement to the Cyprus problem (see Pro- between Akinci and Anastasiades, the two lead- tocol no. 10 of the Accession Treaty).

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

ers decided to open the Lefka and Dherynia On October 31 the UN Secretary-General’s crossings on November 12. envoy, Jane Holl Lute, held separate meetings with the island’s two leaders. According to the During the meeting Anastasiades explained to government spokesman, Prodromos Prodro- Akinci his position of devolution in a bid to mou during her meeting with Anastasiades, achieve a functional, lasting solution that will Lute conveyed the UNSG’s position that the create a state which will be fully in line with parties should agree on the terms of reference everything the EU requires. Reportedly, Anasta- for the resumption of talks as soon as possible. siades conveyed to Akinci that decentralisation Anastasiades welcomed the UNSG’s position would restore Turkish Cypriot trust that the that sound preparation was necessary before- Greek Cypriot majority will not abuse power. hand and discussed his positions on how to On the other hand, it would allay Greek Cypriot achieve a functional solution through devolu- concerns that the need for a Turkish Cypriot tion, without altering the basis of the negotia- positive vote will not render the state dysfunc- tions. Following Lute’s meeting with Akinci, tional. Akinci returned from the meeting TRNC spokesman, Baris Burcu issued a brief expressing his satisfaction over the opening of statement noting that there cannot be open the crossings. According to Akinci, Anastasiades ended procedures in the negotiations and there told him he was not thinking outside the UN must be a result. The statement stressed “the parameters nor beyond a bizonal, bicommunal importance of political equality and effective federal solution but that “he wants to evaluate participation in a possible settlement”. No a model with fewer powers in the centre and statements were made by Lute following her more with the constituent states”. meetings with the two leaders. The UNSG envoy During the month unofficial contacts took place was on the island on the request of Guterres, to between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot carry out another fact-finding mission, before officials and party leaders. In particular, DISY formal negotiations are launched, exploring the leader Averof Neophytou held meetings with willingness of the two sides to propose new Kudret Ozersay, with the Turkish Cypriot Prime ideas as part of an overall solution. Minister and President of the Republican Turk- The Turkish Cypriot mayor of Nicosia, Mehmet ish Party, Tufan Erhurman, and Minister of Edu- Harmanci, said that his municipality was ready cation and Social Democratic Party (TDP) leader to take on responsibility for the opening of two Cemal Ozyigit. Neophytou also met with the new crossing points near Famagusta and former Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami. Paphos gates. Noting that together with his Ozersay also met with Greek Cypriot negotiator Greek Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Yior- Andreas Mavroyiannis. kadjis they had sent letters to the two leaders in

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

the past, he said they agreed on the opening of Following a meeting with President Anastasi- as many crossing points as possible. ades, EXXON MOBIL Senior Vice President Neil Chapman confirmed that the firm intends to Germany has donated €100,000 to the Commit- carry out an exploratory drilling in block 10 of tee on Missing Persons (CMP). A statement the Cypriot EEZ during the fourth quarter of from the CMP pointed out that the donation 2018. An exact date has not been decided yet. brought Germany’s financial assistance to the CMP to a total of €600,000 since 2006, making The 6th trilateral summit between Greece, it the fifth largest single donor country to fund Cyprus and Egypt took place on October 10, in the CMP. Elounda of Crete. An official declaration follow- ing the meeting called on Turkey to cease all illegal activities within the maritime zones of 2. Hydrocarbons Cyprus and to refrain from similar actions in the future. On October 1, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakko- trypis announced that Cyprus will be seeking On October 10, a total of 4 investment firms bidders for a €300m project to facilitate natural expressed an interest in financing the construc- gas imports. The project includes a floating tion of a pipeline that would transport natural regasification unit, pier, pipeline to the Vassili- gas from Cyprus to Egypt. The names of the kos power station, and storage. Moreover, the firms were not disclosed. Cabinet decided to invite energy companies to On October 22, Turkish President, Recep Tayip express interest in block 7 of the island’s Exclu- Erdogan was quoted by Turkish Cypriot news sive Economic Zone (EEZ). The invitation con- outlet Bayrak, as saying that the Cyprus gov- cerns companies with concessions bordering ernment’s energy plans are doomed to fail and blocks 6,8,10 and 11. The government chose that Turkey will continue to “respond firmly to this option instead of another licensing round impositions” in the Eastern Mediterranean both reportedly due to “particular geological reasons in the field and diplomatically. Meanwhile in an related to the Calypso discovery” in block 6. interview with Phileleftheros, Kudret Ozersay On October 5, Cyprus’ natural gas public com- noted that Turkey would react to the drilling pany (DEFA) published the tender documents later this year by US energy giants EXXON for the design, construction, and operation of a MOBIL, even if there happens to be Cyprus Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal peace negotiations. Reportedly the Turkish navy that will be located at Vassilikos. The LNG Ter- stopped on October 18 a Greek frigate from minal will be completed in 2020 and 40% of its “harassing” the Turkish seismic vessel Barbaros cost, or €101m, will be funded by the EU. Hayreddin Pasa, which was skirting blocks in

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

Cyprus’ EEZ south west of the island. A Greek 3. Greek Cypriots defence source denied there was an incident but said the Greeks were monitoring the activi- Economic Developments ty of the Barbaros. The Cypriot government was largely silent on the issue. On October 20, Fitch Ratings upgraded Cyprus’ sovereign rating to investment grade, ‘BBB-‘ The Turkish vessel, Fatih was due to drill in the from ‘BB+’, with a stable outlook as the island Eastern Mediterranean on October 29. An exact expects a 2,7% fiscal surplus in 2018 and con- location has not been revealed. Ozersay said tinuous growth. The upgrade followed similar “this should be perceived as de facto changing action by Standard and Poor’s in September. of the rules of the game, … a change of para- digm,” adding that in the past the Turkish Cyp- According to the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), riot side’s response to the [unilateral Greek Non-performing exposures (NPEs) in the Cypriot Cypriot hydrocarbon exploration in the Eastern banking system declined to 40,3% of total loans Mediterranean] would be limited to protests in the end of June, marking a reduction of which would result in the situation evolving €3,28bn compared with the end-of March 2018, against them. “With the Turkish drilling ship and €10,7bn or 39,1% since the end-of Decem- now actively in the picture we shall be looking ber 2014. out and protecting our own rights” he added. In On October 9, Finance Minister, Harris Georgi- the meantime, and on different occasions, Turk- ades handed the 2019 budget to the President ish presidential spokesperson, Ibrahim Kalin of the House of Representatives Demetris said that Turkey would never give up on their Syllouris. The 2019 state budget will provide rights to the natural resources in the Eastern revenue of €8,5bn and expenditure of €7,9bn, Mediterranean safeguarded by international creating a 3% surplus. law, while Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying “We have openly and clearly According to Eurostat, Cyprus has recorded the informed our interlocutors at every opportunity largest annual decrease in unemployment rates that we are determined to protect the rights of in the EU, from 10,2% in September 2017 to Turkey and the TRNC and that abandoning any 7,4% in September 2018. The same rate was of these rights is out of the question”. 7,5% in August 2018 and corresponds roughly to 32.000 individuals.

Domestic Developments

Reactions and concerns were raised as to whether the government would shift its policy

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

on the Cyprus problem after the President framework that came out of the failed talks in expressed his idea of a “loose federation” to the Crans-Montana was a good basis for discussion. National Council on October 8, despite reassur- ances that this would concern only the powers Labour Relations and Trade Unions of the central government. Main opposition Cobalt Air employees made an announcement AKEL warned that talk of a decentralised feder- in relation to the closing of the company calling ation was dangerous and could possibly lead to upon all competent institutional bodies to extremely negative effects. DIKO chairman oppose the tactics of the Director General of Nicolas Papadopoulos called on Anastasiades to the Ministry of Transport in order to give the explain what he meant with the term. He company an opportunity to look for possible warned, however, that discussion on the matter solutions that will benefit the approximately could be used by Turkey as a coating for a 300 directly affected employees as well as other velvet divorce. indirectly involved, numbering about 200 peo- On October 21, DIKO leader Marios Garoyian ple. Cobalt Air has ceased its operations due to launched a new political party, Democratic insolvency but it resists having its license can- Front (Dimokratiki Parataxi in Greek - DiPA). celled as the Ministry of Transport intends to According to the founding proclamation of the do. Trade unions are ready to support the party, largely made up by DIKO dissidents, the workers if their wages are not paid, while the party was created to fill the political vacuum employer organizations OEB and CCCI hope that that has been formed in the centre, because of capital can be found or the company may be the prevailing extreme political approaches that bought so that it can resume its operations. negate a moderate approach. DiPa was formed On 17th of October, P&O Maritime Cyprus had a by former DIKO members who were either two-hour work stoppage, which was followed kicked out of the party last February for not on 18th of October, by a work stoppage at the supporting its leader, Nicolas Papadopoulos, Eurogate Container Operator. The work stop- who was a candidate in the presidential elec- page took place as a protest for the delay in tion, or who decided to leave the party follow- collective bargaining and the non-renewal of ing the mass expulsion of senior members. On the collective agreement involving 80 employ- the Cyprus problem, Garoyian said the present ees of four specializations. The protesters at the situation, the continuation of the status quo, same time also raised issues of health and safe- could not continue. He also stated that a solu- ty at workplace. The dock workers, following tion should be based on the fact that the Cyprus intensive consultations with the Department of problem is a matter of foreign invasion and Labour Relations of the Ministry of Labour, continued occupation in violation of interna- decided to suspend the planned 24-hour strike, tional law and human rights but agreed the UN

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which was originally scheduled for the 23rd of the Local Government to pursue social policy. October at the ports of Limassol and Larnaca, (6) review the state social policy for the Mini- about the non-renewal of the collective agree- mum Guaranteed Income to improve its effec- ment. The dock workers, made a warning how- tiveness and adequacy. ever that if there is no positive outcome in SEK called on a statement to the House of Par- upcoming meeting with the Ministry, strike liament to vote on pending regulations aiming measures will be rendered inevitable. at tackling non-registered work and for the PEO issued a statement on the occasion of the creation of single service of inspectors, with 17th of October, declared by the UN as the extended responsibilities and powers for the Global Day for the Eradication of Poverty. monitoring of law concerning undeclared work According to Eurostat figures, Cyprus is placed through execution of targeted inspections. The in the top positions for making the biggest bill is being delayed as employer organizations increase in the percentage of the population protest at what they see as concentrated power experiencing poverty. In Cyprus, the percentage in the hands of these new inspectors. of the population at risk of poverty stood at Trade unions in the hotel industry made a 25.2% while it was 23.3% in 2008. This is the complaint to the Government and the House of relative poverty figure which is based on the Parliament about their promoting of a new general societal welfare which as a whole has secret law that leads indirectly to the deregula- decreased as a result of the economic crisis. tion of employment relations in hotels, through According to PEO, population groups who expe- giving the hoteliers the right to outsource some rience the biggest poverty threat are the long- of the services offered by hotels to third parties. term unemployed, the low-waged workers, On October 18th, in a joint statement SEK and pensioners, single parent families and migrants. PEO reported that to their great surprise a For the effective tackling of poverty PEO sug- change of the law on the establishment and gests the following: (1) creation of decent jobs operation of hotels which also covers basic with regulated employment conditions. (2) leg- workers' rights is being discussed. The trade islation to oblige employers to apply the secto- unions expressed their dissatisfaction about not rial collective agreements. (3) arrangements being informed about the proposed changes and mechanisms where, through tripartite dia- that affect the work and life of thousands of logue, minimum employment conditions will be hotel workers. The trade unions fear that addi- agreed for those workers not covered by collec- tionally the existing provisions of the law, that tive agreements. (4) increase in the family poli- oblige hoteliers to employ the necessary suita- cy measures, widening of the social benefits bly qualified staff according to their occupa- and services for working parents to educate, tional category to ensure that they offer quality care for and guard their children. (5) support to services to their customers, are going to be

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abolished with the proposed new law. They The inequalities between the low and high have threatened to react with strikes if the income strata remain high in Cyprus; with the proposed new law is enacted. richest 20% receiving almost five times higher incomes than the poorest 20%. According to Negotiations between the trade unions and the recent data released by the Statistical Office, Government about non-fixed term employees the average gross monthly earnings of employ- (contracts of indefinite duration) in the public ees during the second quarter of 2018, was and wider public sector have continued and estimated at €1.827 compared to €1.801 in the there are two issues now pending. Firstly, this second quarter of 2017. relates to the question of supplementary social security, which is aimed to be resolved through The Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social the inclusion of these employees into the new Insurance has set high in its priorities the pre- Provident Fund as already agreed. The second vention of accidents at work, said Minister Zeta issue is the provision of promotion incentives, Aimilianidou. One measure, she said, was the which so far do not exist. The latter can only be issuing of two decrees for medical examinations resolved through legislative change allowing of workers in ports and work with asbestos. those employees to have the same status as the Another action is the promotion of legislation regular civil servants. Over the last two decades on administrative fines, which has already been the proportion of irregular employees in the tabled and is being discussed in the House of broader public sector has grown (currently Parliament. around 1/3 of employees) at the expense of the On October 31, a 24-hour warning strike at the regular employees. Despite the fact that many Sewerage Board of Nicosia was conducted by of the initially temporary employees have the workers, in response to the dismantling of gained a series of rights, the duality of the its services through the outsourcing of work to workforce remains. The government recently the private sector. promised to PASIDY that it will resolve the issue but this is deemed difficult as there are consti- On October 31, employees of the company tutional issues involved. “Ten Group services and J & P Overseas” began a strike of indefinite duration demanding sala- Special police officers called for equal treat- ries and benefits owed to them by their ment with the permanent police officers. Their employer The Company refused to contact the requests are being discussed in the Committee trade union representatives, despite several of Law in the House of Parliament. In addition, requests for a meeting by the union. They also they are demanding equal treatment in respect staged street protests. of retirement benefits, gratuities and damages in the event of death on duty.

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4. Turkish Cypriots trying to gain credit by displaying problems that do not exist.” Economic Developments Relations with Turkey According to the State Planning Organization the monthly inflation rate in September was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister 6,20% while 12-month rate had reached to Kudret Ozersay paid a 2- day working visit to 37,23%. Ankara upon an invitation from his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu. Pointing out that the government’s efforts to overcome the economic difficulties were con- The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Fikri tinuing, Prime Minister, Tufan Erhurman said Ataoglu met with the Turkish Minister for Envi- they were still waiting for funding from Turkey ronment and Urbanization, Murat Kurum in which was delayed due to the change in the Ankara. Ataoglu announced that a tender had government system in Turkey. been launched for the establishment of an automatic waste water observation system in Turkey is “no longer a place to grab money from the TRNC. He also said that the ministry aims at but one of strategy and planning” said Finance introducing the blue flag standard at all beaches Minister, Serdar Denktas in answering critics in the country. Pointing out that the ministry who blame the government for not seeking has also started work on the purchasing of a funds from Ankara to help north Cyprus address mobile laboratory to test sea water for any con- the overall economic crisis. While fluctuations tamination; Ataoglu said that they also asked in interest and exchange rates were beyond the for the Turkish government’s support on this government’s control, he said, they had tried to issue. Kurum, for his part, said that they could provide some “ease” to citizens by restructuring send a team of experts to inspect the beaches debts and making transitional arrangements. in the TRNC which he added could work togeth- However, the fact that the Price Stabilisation er with staff from the Department of Environ- Fund was empty meant they could no longer mental Protection. The Turkish Minister also intervene on fuel prices, although they would said that the mobile laboratory would be a good still attempt to help the public by “whatever investment and that one could be donated to means we have in our hands”. Despite a series the TRNC by his ministry. of delays earlier in the year in activating the 2018 budget and signing the latest economic Domestic Developments protocol with Turkey, Denktas said the govern- ment had experienced no difficulties in meeting Upon a parliamentary sub-committee recom- its financial obligations, and commented: “This mendation, the parliamentary immunity of a should be appreciated, but the opposition is deputy of the main opposition National Unity

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Party (UBP), Aytac Caluda, was lifted after the secure the majority of votes in the first round, a attorney general’s office reported that he had run off was scheduled for the following week. caused state losses of some 230.000TL when However, Ozgurgun announced that he with- working as the Private Secretary of the Minister drew his candidacy and Tatar was declared the of Labour. new leader of the party.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Clocks went back an hour in the northern part Affairs, Kudret Ozersay said that the lack of of Cyprus on October 28 in line with the rest of communication and cooperation between the Europe, despite Turkey’s decision – for the third police and the Attorney General’s Office in the year running – to remain on summer daylight past had, at times, been an excuse for not com- saving time. It means the TRNC and Turkey will pleting investigations on corruption allegations. again have a one-hour time difference during However, this problem had been solved by the winter but there will be no time difference establishing a special task force within the between the two parts of the island. police aimed at fighting corruption. The work by this special unit is being carried out under the Greek Cypriots will find themselves neighbors of supervision of a prosecutor, Ozersay said. In so Turkey in 10 years’ time, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Dogus Derya said in an interview doing, they are working as one unit and this helps to speed up the process, he added. “The with the Greek Cypriot daily Phileleftheros. fight is big. There are those who oppose the Derya said that the demographic structure of the TRNC had changed over the past decade, fight against corruption within the state, who are trying to slow it down or prevent it alto- and within the next, the Greek Cypriots would gether. Those who do so will certainly pay the not find a Turkish Cypriot opposite number with whom to negotiate. She said the international price as required by law. We aspire to this task. We have no one to be afraid of” said Ozersay. isolation … had increased Turkish Cypriots’ eco- nomic dependence on Turkey and that had The 21st ordinary congress of the main opposi- brought with it political dependence and cultur- tion National Unity Party (UBP) was held on al assimilation. Yet she claimed most Turkish October 27-28. The incumbent UBP leader Cypriots still preferred a future as a reunified Huseyin Ozgurgun (Nicosia MP), Ersin Tatar island, despite their fears and concerns about (Nicosia MP), Faiz Sucuoglu (Nicosia MP) and how that might work out, and continued to Sunat Atun (Famagusta MP) competed for the believe that a bicommunal, bizonal federation party leadership. Of the 7.002 votes cast, Tatar based on political equality of the two communi- received a total of 2.592 votes and came in first, ties was the best option for a settlement. followed by Ozgurgun who received 2.005 votes. As none of the candidates managed to

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In a landmark decision, a Turkish Cypriot court 5. FES Cyprus Events ruled that police, by intervening in a 2011 demonstration against Turkey’s then Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, violated fun- damental rights and freedoms. Drawing from November articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights covering the right to peaceful Thursday, 08th November 2018, 6:30 – 8:30 pm protest, judge Mine Gucluer Ozankaya found Unite Cyprus Now / FES the police guilty of violation of the freedoms of Campaign expression and assembly. She also found the police guilty of assault, wrongful arrest and “What were you doing…?” false imprisonment. Goethe-Institut, UN Buffer-Zone, Nicosia, Labour Relations and Trade Unions Cyprus

Trade Unions Platform held a demonstration in Open to the public front of the Ministry of Interior arguing that “Turkish Cypriots are under threat of becoming a minority through the systematic population transfer” from Turkey. They pointed out that  due to the alteration of the demographic struc- Friday, 09th November 2018, 9 am – 6 pm ture, work-life and social life have been chang- ing. As a consequence, the criminal incidents PRIO / FES including harassment, rape and violence have Conference been increasing and the TRNC has become a country in which criminals searched by Interpol BREXIT and its Implications for Cyprus could live freely, while the pages of newspapers Goethe-Institut, UN Buffer-Zone, Nicosia, were full of criminal news and people did not Cyprus feel safe anymore. Open to the public

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th Tuesday, 13 November 2018, 6:30 – 8:30 pm  Unite Cyprus Now / FES Tuesday, 20th November 2018, 10:30 am – 1 pm Campaign Cyprus International University / FES “What were you doing…?” Launch Technical University of Cyprus, Limassol, Corruption Perception Index for the Northern Cyprus Part of Cyprus Open to the public Home for Cooperation, UN Buffer-Zone, Nicosia,

Cyprus  Open to the public

Friday, 16th November 2018, 9 am – 4 pm  PRIO / FES Conference Thursday, 22nd November 2018, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

“The Belt and Road Initiative”: China’s new Unite Cyprus Now / FES “Silkroad” and the South-East Mediterranean Campaign

Goethe-Institut, UN Buffer-Zone, Nicosia, “What were you doing…?” Cyprus Mağusa Gelişim Akademisi, Famagusta, Cyprus Open to the public Open to the public

 

th th Saturday, 17 – Sunday, 18 November 2018 Thursday, 22th – Friday, 23th November 2018 ENORASIS / FES Workshop Civil Society Advocates / FES Presentations in English 14th Friendship Weekend of the Enorasis Social Cultural Clubs ABCs of Democracy – Freedom of Association

th Chateau Lambousa Hotel, Kyrenia/Girne Thursday, 22 November, Home for Not open to the public Cooperation, Nicosia, 5 – 7 pm

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FES CYPRUS NEWSLETTER Nr. 77 / October 2018

Friday, 23th November, Laona Foundation, Imprint: Limassol, 4 – 6 pm Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Open to the public Office Cyprus 20, Stasandrou, Apt. 401  CY 1060 Nicosia

th Tel. +357 22 377 336 Thursday, 29 November 2018, tba Email: [email protected] Web-Seite:www.fescyprus.org FES Facebook: www.facebook.com/FEScyprus workshop Twitter: @FESCyprus Corporate Governance in the Public Sector Text: European Institute for Management & Finance Hubert Faustmann, Yiannis Charalambous, Sertac Sonan, Grigoris Ioannou, Despina Open to the public Michaelidou, and Sophia Papastavrou

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Cyprus Solution: A European Challenge

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