The allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis and the statement on the matter by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, an inspection by a delegation from the Ministry of Interior regarding Turkish Cypriot properties in the Municipality of Paphos, and a statement by the Pentakomo community leader about a fine imposed on the Republic of Cyprus by the EU over waste management in the area are the main topics in today’s newspapers, Thursday.
Alithia leads with the headline “A €23 million bomb explodes,” writing that Pentakomo community leader Giorgos Oikonomou said a €23 million fine had been imposed on the Republic of Cyprus by the EU because the government and relevant departments failed to find a solution for the Integrated Waste Management Facility in the area. Elsewhere it reports that the struggle of EOKA was commemorated with doxologies, events and messages. In another report it writes that a letter sent by the company to the government regarding the revival of the Larnaca port and marina project remains unanswered.
Politis runs its main story under the headline “Some allegations were an open secret,” writing that part of the serious allegations and claims made by Makarios Drousiotis, which have caused political upheaval in recent days, appear to have been an open secret for several years among judicial and legal circles. In another story it reports that the state, veterans and citizens marked yesterday the anniversary of the start of the 1955–59 national liberation struggle with various events. Elsewhere it notes that the bill on surveillance is on the agenda of today’s plenary session of the House of Representatives, with all possibilities remaining open.
Phileleftheros titles its main story “Abuse and lawlessness,” writing that the inspection carried out by a Ministry of Interior delegation regarding Turkish Cypriot properties in the Municipality of Paphos, since Phedonas Phedonos assumed the mayoralty in 2015, has revealed numerous irregularities. In another report it writes that this year’s March ranks as the best of the past decade, sending 35 million cubic metres of water to the dams. Elsewhere it reports that Cyprus marked yesterday the anniversary of the liberation struggle with doxologies and celebrations.
Haravgi leads with the headline “Shadows of corruption and relentless questions,” writing that AKEL is calling for an immediate, independent and credible investigation into the serious allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis, stressing the need for accountability, attribution of responsibility and punishment where evidence emerges. In another report it writes that a ruling by the Larnaca District Court on expropriation in Vasiliko constitutes a severe blow to the state. Elsewhere it notes that a legislative proposal by AKEL, which seeks to end the injustice faced by indefinite-term teachers, is being brought before the plenary of the House for a vote.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “President pledges full investigation,” writes in its main story that President Christodoulides said the allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis would be treated with the “utmost seriousness.” Elsewhere it reports that President Christodoulides, marking the anniversary of the start of the EOKA struggle of 1955–59, underlined the importance of historical awareness in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. It also publishes an interview with Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, who said that Iran represents an existential threat to Israel.
The visit of Unal Ustel to Azerbaijan dominates today’s Turkish Cypriot press, where it is presented as “the first official reception” of a Turkish Cypriot “prime minister” at this level outside Turkey. Other topics include preparations for the upcoming meeting between the two leaders on April 6, the issue of the cost-of-living allowance (ATA), the scandal at IVF centres, “judicial” developments regarding fake diplomas, and environmental initiatives.
In its main story, Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “What have you prevented so far?”, accuses the “opposition,” particularly the CTP, of legitimising the “appointed” prime minister Unal Ustel through its presence in the “parliament.” Elsewhere it reports on the start of “judicial” proceedings regarding the scandal of fake diplomas and corruption. It also refers to a statement by Omer Celik, spokesperson of Turkey’s ruling AKP party, regarding Turkish F-16 fighter jets, claiming that their presence in the north of Cyprus “protects everyone.”
Halkin Sesi (The Voice of the People) leads with the headline “Call for inspections at IVF centres,” reporting that serious errors were discovered in the provision of sperm and eggs to families from the United Kingdom. In another report the newspaper refers to Unal Ustel’s visit to Azerbaijan, writing that it marks the first “official” reception of this level in a country outside Turkey. Finally, the newspaper comments on the celebrations marking the EOKA anniversary in the government-controlled areas, referring to the “endless love of the Greeks” for the organisation.
“Historic meeting in Azerbaijan” is the headline of the main story in Kibris (Cyprus), referring to Unal Ustel’s visit to Baku. Elsewhere it reports on reactions from the Turkish Cypriot leadership to statements by President Christodoulides regarding EOKA. In another story it reports on a medical achievement at the “state hospital,” involving the performance of a heart transplant.
“The path they follow is a clear political deception” is the headline of the main story in Yeni Duzen, which reports that CTP Secretary General Sila Usar Incirli accused the “government” of deceiving the “people” through “legislative decrees” concerning the cost-of-living allowance and called for immediate “elections.” In another report the newspaper refers to the upcoming meeting between the two leaders on April 6. In a separate story it reports on the environmental campaign “Green Cyprus Again,” under the auspices of the “presidency,” involving the planting of 14,000 saplings.