This week in North Cyprus >9th - 16th May 2005
EU Enlargement commissioner visits island.
The EU commissioner for enlargement Olli Rehn, last week held meetings on both sides of the island. Luxembourg 's Minister for Europe Nicholas Schmit accompanied Mr Rehn on the two-day visit. During his visit to North Cyprus Mr Rehn met with the deputy Prime Minister Serdar Denktas and then later with Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer.
Speaking after his meeting with the EU commissioner the deputy PM said he had reiterated the Turkish Cypriots sides' readiness and willingness to resume negotiations to find a solution, but added it would not be acceptable for the Turkish Cypriot people to abandon its fundamental and basic rights in order to achieve a settlement to the Cyprus Problem.
Following the recent property cases filed against Turkish Cypriots, the EU commissioner was warned that thousands of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots would apply to the European Court of Human Rights if the issues were not dealt with soon.
Mr Rehn and Mr Schmit held a press conference at the Ledra Palace Hotel in Lefkosa. Mr Rehn commented that a divided Cyprus did not fit with the European Model and reunification is essential. He added that the EU stood ready to take an active role regarding the resumption of peace talks backed by the UN. Mr Rehn called for compromise over the disputed direct aid and trade package aimed at relieving Turkish Cypriot economic isolation. Mr Rehn said Brussels could not abandon its commitment to "break their (Turkish Cypriots) economic isolation" but admitted that the pledge had hit a hurdle.
Restored municipal market reopens in Lefkosa.
Tuesday 10 th May saw the official reopening of the Municipal market in Lefkosa. The restored building is close to the Selimiye Mosque in the heart of Lefkosa. There has been a market here since 1900 and is known locally as the 'Bandabuliya'. Dignitaries including Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer and the mayor of Lefkosa attended the formal re-opening ceremony. The $800,000 restoration scheme took years of planning followed by eight months of hard work. The old wholesalers section has been transformed into a clean and friendly shopping environment, where shoppers can purchase a variety of handicrafts and books among other items. The high roof with exposed beams provides the ideal place to sit and relax with a coffee or enjoy a meal.
EU enlargement commissioner comments on property disputes.
During his visit last week to Cyprus , Olli Rehn condemned recent events that have sparked a bitter property dispute between the two sides of the divided island. Mr Rehn said the property issue had been given a place in the Annan plan and that he believed property rights would be at the core of any revised plan. Mr Rehn continued by saying that "the current situation is increasing tension on the island and I would find it very difficult to support the use of civil and criminal law on an issue which is predominantly a political issue".
Last week saw a new group in the south formed to counter the pro-TRNC, European Property Association of North Cyprus (EUPRO). The council for the protection of Human rights (SPAD) launched by saying it would protect the rights of those that had abandoned property in the north.
EUPRO held its first meeting of members last week at The Colony hotel in Girne. Three hundred and fifty members heard that the group had assembled a team of 'top gun' European and international law experts. EUPRO promised its members that it would close the doors to Greek Cypriot claimants, by preventing the delivery of summonses in the North and winning the legal battle in the UK concerning European arrest warrants.
Guest speaker at the meeting was Economy Minister Dervis Kemal Deniz, he assured property owners that the government and the presidential office were behind them.
Work permit application reform expected.
Labour and Social security Minister Sonay Adem revealed in this weeks 'Cyprus Today' newspaper that 'sweeping changes' were to be made in regards to applications for work permits and residency and work permit health tests.
Planned reforms include establishing a single centre with English speaking staff available to deal with all stages of applications, from the initial paperwork to final issue of permits. The aim will be the whole process taking between 10 - 15 days from start to finish.
To ease pressure on Lefkosa state hospital, authorisation to conduct health tests look set to extend to state and private hospitals across North Cyprus . Mr Adem hoped that the discriminating fee structure for health tests and permits would be revised and hopefully eliminated. Currently 'non Turkish foreigners' are charged between three and four times the fee levied on Turkish applicants. There are some 12,000 workers currently in possession of work permits, but an estimated 30,000 are working illegally. Possible deportation and threat of fines to employers have seen a surge of applications.
16 th Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally heads for Girne.
Nearly 80 Yachts from 18 different countries are expected to arrive in Girne on Tuesday 17 th May. The event that begun in 1990 left Atak ö y Yacht harbour in Istanbul on April 26 th with a final destination of Israel . The boats depart Girne on Thursday and head back towards Turkey making stops at Mersin and I skenderun, before heading for Syria , Lebanon , and Egypt . The sporting event is not only seen as a rally but also as event aimed at promoting yachting tourism. The organisers say that the event has encouraged local authorities to improve their marinas, bringing them to the attention of the international yachting community.
North Cyprus weather
The low-pressure system remains in place this week bringing continued sunshine and warm temperatures. Light cloud is possible throughout the week.
Temperatures will reach 26C on the coast and 32C inland.
Last week's minimum and maximum temperatures.
|
Minimum Temperature |
Maximum Temperature |
Lefkosa |
12.2C |
36.0C |
Ercan |
10.6C |
34.9C |
Gazi Ma g usa |
13.3C |
27.8C |
Girne |
13.5C |
26.3C |
Güzelyurt |
12.5C |
29.0C |
This week's exchange rates.
CURRENCY |
EXCHANGE RATE |
£ Sterling |
2.52YTL |
$ Dollar |
1.35YTL |
€ Euro |
1.73YTL |
£ Cyprus pound |
2.88YTL |
Resources: Cyprus Today and Cyprus Times
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