The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock units dominates the front pages of the Cypriot press on Tuesday. Other issues highlighted include today’s meeting between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Tufan Erhürman, public outings for Clean Monday, matters relating to pension reform and care homes for the elderly.
“Panic Over The Spread Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease” is the headline of the main story in Alithia, which reports that political confrontation over the issue is escalating, with DISY speaking of negligence. The newspaper also writes that the Police are investigating information about possible movements of animals from the areas not under the effective control of the Republic. In another story, it reports that ELAM is attempting to appropriate the legacy of Glafcos Clerides. Elsewhere, it writes that the President of EPOPAI is calling for the withdrawal of the bill concerning Cyta.
“Out Of Control Situation With Foot-And-Mouth” is the main headline in Politis, which reports that assistance from the European Union has been requested and is being activated. It adds that confirmed cases concern 11 units, with the greatest problem recorded in Larnaca. In another report, Politis states that the pension reform being promoted brings cuts to the pensions of so-called high-earning retirees. Elsewhere, it reports that participation in the carnival parades over the three-day weekend was massive.
The main story of Phileleftheros is titled “Criminal Negligence” and refers to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, noting that the transfer of hay from the areas not under government control and a 15-day delay allowed the virus to spread. On the same issue, the paper reports that 13,000 animals are being culled immediately, while the Police are examining smuggling routes. It also refers to the public’s Clean Monday outings despite rainy weather. In another report, Phileleftheros states that President Nikos Christodoulides will raise issues concerning the enclaved with Tufan Erhürman, with the operation of the school in Rizokarpaso at the centre of discussion.
“They Delayed And Now They Are Rushing” is the main headline of Haravgi, referring to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. It notes that cases are uncontrolled in Larnaca district, with members of the National Guard called in to assist in managing affected animals. In another story, Haravgi previews today’s meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman, in the presence of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus. Elsewhere, it reports that elderly residents in care homes lack sufficient support.
In the Turkish Cypriot press, the main issue concerns the approval, despite strong social reactions and strikes by Turkish Cypriot trade unions, of the “protocol” for the transfer of fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure in the areas not under the effective control of the Republic to Türk Telekom. The decision is described as a “sell-out” and has led to further mobilisations. Newspapers highlight the contentious passage of the “bill” on fibre optics, opposition accusations of undermining “institutions”, the arrest of two young men with weapons and drugs, the sharp rise in drug-related cases and today’s scheduled meeting of the two leaders.
The main story of Avrupa (Europe), titled “By Order Of Tayyip”, refers to the passage of a “law” by the “parliament” after prolonged late-night discussions regarding the assignment of the fibre optic development project to Türk Telekom. Another report concerns a statement by Selma Eylem, President of the secondary school teachers’ union KTOEÖS, who protested outside the “parliament” against the “protocol” granting the fibre optic project to Türk Telekom. Elsewhere, the paper refers to past mobilisations against Turkish influence in the areas not under government control, stating that the opposition has been significantly weakened and that Turkey has gained full control over water, electricity, airlines and telephony.
Halkın Sesi (The Voice of the People), in a report titled “Approval Of The Controversial Protocol”, refers to the contentious approval, with 27 votes in favour and 20 against, of the “bill” on fibre optics, which triggered strong reactions and demonstrations. “Prime Minister” Ünal Üstel defended the project, describing it as of strategic importance, while Republican Turkish Party leader Sıla Usar İncirli accused the “government” of betrayal and sidelining “institutions”. Elsewhere, the newspaper reports on the arrest of two young men who attempted to collect a hidden pistol and 30 bullets in the occupied Lysi–Kontea area. Drugs were found in their vehicle, with the “police” examining whether the weapon was intended for a murder. Another report states that attention is focused on today’s meeting of the two leaders at 11:00.
“778 Cases, 1,168 Suspects” is the main headline of Kıbrıs (Cyprus), referring to a sharp increase in drug-related crime. According to “police” data, 778 cases were recorded over the past two years and 1,168 suspects were arrested. More than 140 kilograms of narcotics and 17,210 pills were seized, with authorities intensifying checks. The fibre optics issue is again highlighted. Following the approval of the relevant “bill”, “Prime Minister” Üstel described it as a strategic security project, promising cheaper and faster internet, while rejecting opposition accusations of sidelining local “telecommunications bodies” in favour of Turkey. Elsewhere, the paper reports on road safety education programmes in the areas not under government control.
The main story of Yeni Düzen (New Order), titled “The People Objected, The Government Handed It Over!”, concerns the approval, despite strong social reactions and union strikes, of the “protocol” transferring fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure to Türk Telekom. The “bill” was passed with 27 votes in favour and 20 against, without an open tender, and attention is now turning to the “constitutional court”, the paper reports. Another article focuses on opposition warnings, with “MPs” stating that handing over strategic “public infrastructure” to a foreign private company directly undermines “economic independence” and “sovereignty”, describing it as a dangerous monopoly. Finally, it reports that Turkish Cypriot trade unions are organising a protest march this evening in response to the decision of the “parliament”.