The situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease, the handling of the crisis, assistance from the European Union and the taking of statements by the Police to examine the possibility of criminal liability dominate today’s newspaper front pages. Reference is also made to the meeting between the President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader, as well as to developments concerning the Vasilikos terminal.
Alithia carries its main story under the headline “Shifting Responsibility To Illegal Fodder”, writing that the “scapegoat” appears to have “contracted” foot-and-mouth disease and is bearing the burden of an entire chain of responsibilities. Elsewhere, it reports that yesterday’s meeting of the two leaders ended without result. The paper also highlights an expression of support for Ukraine by the President of DISY.
Politis leads with the headline “Responsibilities For Foot-And-Mouth Disease Are Deafening”, referring to what it describes as another failure of the Government in handling a serious crisis. Elsewhere, it reports that an announcement is expected tomorrow from the Anti Corruption Authority regarding the “Mafia State” case. It also writes that Marinos Sizopoulos will face criminal scrutiny and that procedures are under way to lift his immunity.
O Phileleftheros features the headline “€4.5 Million In Compensation”, reporting on a support package for 11 livestock farmers following the culling of 13,000 animals. It also refers to cries of despair from livestock farmers, recording their statements to the newspaper. In addition, it highlights new plans by the Government and ETYFA concerning the Vasilikos terminal.
Haravgi headlines its main story “Livestock Farming At Risk, Government In Disarray”, stating that there has been “government inertia” regarding foot-and-mouth disease, with a heavy cost for livestock farmers. Elsewhere, it reports that the House of Representatives will decide on the physical presence of radiologists at radiology centres. It also features recommendations by the Audit Office concerning the “Digital Citizen” project.
The English language Cyprus Mail carries the headline “Foot-And-Mouth Disease: ‘The Most Serious Threat In Living Memory’”, highlighting statements from livestock farmers about the situation and noting that one farmer lost his animals in a single day. It also reports that the meeting between the two leaders ended without result. Additionally, it refers to recommendations by the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection to MEP Fidias Panayiotou regarding his platform.
Oikonomiki Kathimerini leads with the headline “Geopolitical Stress Tests For Cypriot Banks”, reporting that the initial submission of data for the stress tests will take place on 16 March and be finalised in July. Elsewhere, it covers the situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease, potential worst case scenarios, the handling of the crisis and responsibilities. It also refers to notable absences in the draft European Parliament report on Turkey.
Ongoing reactions in the north following the “approval” of the “protocol” on fibre optics, the meeting of the two leaders and their statements afterwards, a protest by “public sector” trade unions against corruption outside the “prime minister’s office”, the delivery of vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease to the Republic of Cyprus and the death of Turkish Cypriot businessman Ertil Nami are among the issues highlighted on the front pages of Turkish Cypriot newspapers today.
The newspaper Avrupa carries the headline “They Are Selling Us Too”, writing that according to reports published, following the signing of the “memorandum of understanding” on fibre optics between the self declared state and Turkey, the rights of the telecommunications company Turk Telekom, which operates in the north, will be sold to Turkey. It argues that the “government” will also sell the “citizens” of the self declared state for profit. It also refers to yesterday’s protest march in occupied Nicosia by public sector unions against corruption and poverty, and reports the death of Ertil Nami, father of former “foreign minister” and negotiator Ozdi̇l Nami.
The newspaper Halkin Sesi carries the headline “Positive Messages From The Leaders”, referring to yesterday’s meeting between President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, and their statements describing the discussion as sincere. A photograph of the two leaders is published. It also reports the death of businessman Ertil Nami, father of Ozdi̇l Nami. Elsewhere, it covers yesterday’s protest by five “public sector” unions against the “government’s” policies and corruption, noting that protesters held black flags.
The newspaper Kibris carries the headline “Let Efforts Not Be Lost”, referring to the private meeting between Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhurman, during which the issue of crossing points was discussed. It highlights statements by the Turkish Cypriot leader describing the meeting as “sincere and open” and stating that efforts made regarding the opening of crossing points should not be wasted. It also reports that the “agriculture minister”, Huseyin Cavus, said that following a request, a total of 20,000 vaccine doses for foot-and-mouth disease would be delivered to the Republic of Cyprus. Additionally, it features statements by the “transport minister”, Erhan Arikli, on a television programme regarding the “approval” by the “parliament” of the “protocol” on fibre optics.
The newspaper Yeni Duzen carries the headline “We Do Not Want A Government Of Thieves”, referring to yesterday’s protest by five “public sector” trade unions, KTAMS, Kamu-Is, Kamu-Sen, KTOS and KTOEOS, against corruption and poverty. The paper publishes photographs from the protest, in which participants held black flags and torches and marched towards the “prime ministry”. It also refers to the meeting of the two leaders and their statements afterwards describing it as “open and sincere”. No other issue is featured on today’s front page.