This week in North Cyprus > 7-14 March 2005
Candidates for Presidency announced
Nominations for the TRNC presidency closed on Friday 11 th March with a total of 9 candidates' names being put forward.
The candidates for the April 17 th election are Mehmet Ali Talat the current Republican Turkish Party Prime minister, Mustafa Arabacioglu (democraric party), Dervis Eroglu (National Unity Party), Hüseyin Angolemli (Communal Liberation Party), Nuri Çevikel (New Party), Zehra Cengiz (Cyprus Socialist Party), Arif Salih Kirdag (Independant), Ayhan Kaymak (Independant) and finally Zeki Besiktepli (Independant).
Pr ime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat was the first to be formally nominated at the Supreme Election Board (YSK) on Friday morning. Mr Talat has decided to stand in order to implement the will of the overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots, as displayed at last April's referendum on the Annan plan. "I will give my hand in peace and brotherhood to the Greek-Cypriot people, their non-government organisations and political powers," Mr Talat said. Mr Kirda g was next to lodge his nomination followed by Mr Nuri Çevikel, who said he believed it was his duty to stand.
The only woman in the race for presidency, Ms Zehra Cengiz of the Cyprus Socialist party declared that she and her party would continue to fight imperialism and create a reunited Cyprus.
Ex-prime minister Dervis Eroglu, was nominated by his party the UBP . The party stated that the election was of great importance given the critical phase through which the country was passing.
The Dempocratic Party candidate Mustafa Arabacioglu arrived at the YSK with DP party keader Serdar Denktas and other party MP's. Mr Denktas said theirs was a candidate of compromise and integrity.
Greek Cypriot lawyer on Bail
Constantin Candounas, the greek cypriot lawyer involved in the controversial Orams property case, signed a bail slip commiting him to appear at a Turkish Cypriot court on charges of threatening and provoking a british woman living in Karaman.
On his appearance at the police headquaters in Lefkosa Cndounas was also accused of attempting to practice as a lawyer outside Greek Cypriot jurisdiction.
After initially refusing to sign the papers as they were in Turkish, he changed his mind saying that he is a proffessional man and wants to clear his name.
He added that he had note done the things he is accused of and felt his human rights had been violated.
Mr Candounas is due to appear at the TRNC police headquaters again on May 11th.
Coalition government formed
A new coalition government has been formed between the victorious CTP party and the Democratic party. Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said that the government would work for the welfare and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people. During a reading in parliament of the four-page governmnet programme Mr Talat aslo said "we will continue expending efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and for the lifting of the blockade". One of the main targets of the new government is to seek approval of the 2004 budget.
The government is a transitional administration, a continuation of the pre election cabinet, and should Mr Talat's quest to become the TRNC's next president be successful a new administration will be formed after the April 17th presidential elections.
CTP general secretary Ferdi Sabit Soyer will replace Mt Talat as party leader. The second Talat cabinet announced last week keeps the same ministers in place until after April 17th. The two parties have reached an agreement on the formation of a new post April 17th cabinet, with the DP holding three ministries instead of the current four.
The most significant change expected in April will be the CTP gaining control of the State Planning Organisations in an exchange for passing control of the Public Information Office to the DP.
In accordance with the TRNC constitution the parliamntary debate on the government programme will begin on Tuesday 15th March. On completion of the debate there will be a vote of confidence in the new government.
Leaders in historic meeting
TRNC Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat held an historical meeting last week with Demetris Cristofias, leader of Southern Cyprus's communist party Akel. After travelling for the first tme to the North Mr Cristiofias met with Mr Talat at the Republican Turkish party headquaters.
During the meeting that lasted over an hour the two leaders stressed their commitment to finding a solution to the Cyprus Problem.
Prime Minister Talat said that resumption of the Cyprus talks depend on the UN secretary generla Kofi Annan being convinced there is the will to engage in any effort.
Following the meeting between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot political parties at the Ledra Palace hotel Mr Talat told reporters that Mr Annan had asked Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos to present a list of possible changes to his plan, he believes Mr Annan is still waiting for this list.
The next meeting of the political parties is scheduled at Ledra Palace on April 20th.
Greek Cypriots should make the first move
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a press conference in Madrid that in a meeting with Kofi Annan the UN secretary general had expressed a willingness to resolve the Cyprus problem before October 3rd, the date scheduled for talks on Turleys possible acceptance into the EU to begin. He also said that "Turkey and the TRNC have fulfilled their responsibilities, now those who have to take steps on the issue are Greece and the Greek Cypriot side."
TRNC tourism campaign hits British holiday market
The TRNC has featured in promotions in UK newspapers, the Daily Mail, Daily Express and Sunday Telegraph, under the slogan 'Discover the other side'. The TRNC is also a cover story on Travel and Leisure Magazine, the magazine has over 1 million readers in England and is distributed free by big supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda. Travel and Leisure magazine has devoted seven pages to North Cyprus, the article described North Cyprus as the "sleeping tourism beauty of the Mediterranean", but adds that "the beauty is waking up". The article aslo claims that the island is becoming a trendy holiday destination, particularily with nature lovers as the island is the only place that can be truly described as "pure nature" and providing "a holiday full of tranquility with its unspoilt nature and quiet atmosphere". Readers are advised that they will have to fly via Turkey but it also says that following recent positive economic and political developments, direct flights to Ercan may start as early as spring.
Economy and Tourism minister Dervis Kemal Deniz said his depaertmnet would continue to promote the TRNC throughout the world and will soon be attending an International Tourism fair in Germany. Mr Deniz said tourists choosing the TRNC as their holiday destination were returning again and again.
This week's weather
It will be a mainly dry but partly cloudy week, with temperatures reaching 16° - 18°C in the early part of the week rising to 19° - 21°C towards the weekend.
Last week's temperatures
Town/City |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Lefkosa |
4.8C |
20.7C |
Ercan |
3.4C |
20.4C |
Gazi Magusa |
5.3C |
20.4C |
Girne |
9.5C |
19.5C |
Güzelyurt |
0.6C |
21.8C |
CURRENCY
This week's exchange rate
£ STG |
2.46 YTL |
$ USD |
1.27 YTL |
EUROS |
1.71 YTL |
CYP £ |
2.84 YTL |
Resources: Cyprus Today
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