meeting

A sociologist, ’s view of the Cyprus problem

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A sociologist, ’s view of the Cyprus problem

The Cyprus problem has been unresolved for 50 years, with significant changes in both the physical landscape and the mindset of its people since 1974. The UN-led negotiations have focused on constitutional and legal challenges, often overlooking the social realities and expectations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots regarding a federal Cyprus. The social structure and the passage of time have influenced the local dimension of the Cyprus issue, with Greek Cypriots generally expecting a reversal of the northern occupation and Turkish Cypriots aiming to retain benefits supported by Turkey. Urban expansion and new economic interests in the north have altered perceptions of life. Sociological analysis is deemed necessary to understand the underlying contradictions in the images of Cypriot society and to foster progress towards settlement. Examples of successful bicommunal cooperation include the Nicosia Master Plan and the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage. These initiatives demonstrate the potential for building solidarity and mutual understanding through shared efforts, yet they have not significantly influenced the formal negotiation process. The article emphasizes the importance of sociological insight in addressing the Cyprus problem and fostering a bicommunal society.

President arrives in Cairo

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President arrives in Cairo

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has arrived in Cairo to participate in a meeting with European leaders and the President of Egypt. This meeting is part of the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, during which a Joint Declaration will be signed between the EU and Egypt. The meeting will include coordination among European leaders, bilateral meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and expanded talks with the participation of delegations from the participating countries. The Joint Declaration will be signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President al-Sisi. President Christodoulides is accompanied by government spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis, the head of his diplomatic office Doros Venezis, and officials, and will return to Cyprus on Sunday night.

Our View: The two sides have over-complicated the peace process

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Our View: The two sides have over-complicated the peace process

Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, completed her second visit to Cyprus after meeting President Christodoulides. During her week-long visit, she engaged with party chiefs, mayors, chambers of commerce, and civil society members from both sides of Cyprus. Holguin plans to return next month following visits to Brussels and several EU member-states. She had previously visited the three guarantor states. Details of her meetings are scarce, but it is known that she sought opinions on breaking the deadlock in Cyprus without revealing her own views. Holguin has expressed interest in engaging with civil society groups, although their influence is considered limited. The text suggests that a breakthrough in the peace process should come from the leadership level rather than civil society, emphasizing the roles of President Erdogan and President Christodoulides in potentially advancing towards a settlement.

President stresses focus on substance for new Cyprus talks

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President stresses focus on substance for new Cyprus talks

– President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of resuming talks.
– Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, is working towards resuming talks.
– President Christodoulides and Holguín had a meeting where they reviewed the week’s developments while Holguín was in Cyprus.
– Their goal is the resumption of talks, which they are working towards step by step.
– Holguín plans to return after visiting some European capitals.
– President Christodoulides expressed a preference not to prejudge or publicly discuss the results of Holguín’s efforts, emphasizing the focus on substance and the goal of resuming talks.

UN envoy may visit European capitals

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UN envoy may visit European capitals

– Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, may visit European countries after her meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
– Holguín had a meeting with President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace that lasted about one hour.
– She expressed satisfaction with her meetings throughout the week and concluded this round of meetings with President Christodoulides.
– Holguín is considering visiting some European capitals in April and may have contacts at the EU level, but she does not have a fixed timetable yet.
– This was the second meeting between Holguín and President Christodoulides during her stay on the island.
– Holguín is expected to leave the island on Sunday, but a close collaborator of hers will stay in Cyprus to act as her “eyes and ears.”
– During her stay in Cyprus, Holguín met with political parties, professional organizations, and representatives of civil society from both communities.

Christodoulides visits LNG terminal as work restarts

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Christodoulides visits LNG terminal as work restarts

– President Nikos Christodoulides visited the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal to mark the restart of construction work.
– The government aims to reduce electricity prices, with the LNG terminal’s operation playing a key role in this effort.
– Other actions to reduce electricity costs include renewable energy sources and a proposed electrical interconnector connecting Cyprus, Greece, and Israel.
– Construction of the terminal is set to recommence, confirmed by Energy Minister Papanastasiou after a meeting with the Chinese-led CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC).
– The ministry has not entered any new contractual obligations as the meeting was between the ministry and CMC, without the involvement of the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (Etyfa) and the Natural Gas Public Company (Defa).
– An action group will be created to monitor the project from the ministry’s perspective.
– The floating storage and re-gasification unit, part of the terminal’s contract signed in 2019, is almost complete and will be discussed further via a video call.
– The goal is to reduce the cost of electricity production in Cyprus by switching to natural gas, which is more environmentally friendly and expected to reduce the cost of pollutants by about 40%.

Christodoulides to travel to Egypt

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Christodoulides to travel to Egypt

President Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to visit Egypt on Sunday to participate in an international summit. The summit will be attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The European Union and Egypt will inaugurate a strategic and comprehensive partnership at the summit, with a joint declaration to be signed by Von der Leyen and el-Sisi. This partnership covers six pillars: political relations, economic stability, trade and investment, migration and mobility, security and demography, and human capital. Christodoulides will also have a bilateral meeting with el-Sisi, followed by a joint meeting with all seven heads of government and further discussions among the delegations of the participating countries. In the evening, el-Sisi will host a meal in honor of the six European leaders. Cyprus’ invitation to the summit is seen as highlighting its geostrategic role in the region, being the closest EU member state to Egypt and maintaining excellent relations with all neighboring states.

Christodoulides meeting Holguin

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Christodoulides meeting Holguin

Maria Angela Holguin, the United Nations Secretary-General’s personal envoy, is meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday morning. Holguin arrived at the Presidential palace at 9.35am for her second meeting with Christodoulides this week. She is expected to leave Cyprus on Sunday, having also met twice with Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar. During her current stay on the island, she has met with political parties from both sides, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), both Nicosia Mayors Constantinos Yiorkadjis and Mehmet Harmanci, and various civil society groups. A close associate of Holguin is expected to remain on the island after she departs to act as her “eyes and ears.” The date of her next visit to Cyprus has not yet been confirmed.

Cyprus bolsters maritime ties at European Cruise Summit

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Cyprus bolsters maritime ties at European Cruise Summit

Cypriot Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis played a significant role at the European Cruise Summit organized by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Genoa, Italy, from March 12 to March 14, 2024. She participated in a panel discussion on the decarbonisation of the cruise industry, highlighting Cyprus’ efforts and initiatives in this area and the country’s support for the cruise sector’s compliance with new requirements. Hadjimanolis also addressed the conference on opportunities for women’s employment in the cruise industry and held meetings with CEOs of major cruise lines and Edoardo Rixi, the Italian Deputy Minister of Transport, to discuss competitiveness and environmental regulations in shipping. Additionally, an event was organized to present credentials to the new Consul of Cyprus in Genoa, enhancing connections with Italy’s maritime community.

WTI steady at $80.60, below YTD peak

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WTI steady at $80.60, below YTD peak

– West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are fluctuating just above the mid-.00s in Asian trading on a Friday.
– Prices are close to the highest level since November 6, as observed the previous day.
– The US Producer Price Index (PPI) was higher than expected, suggesting the Federal Reserve might maintain high interest rates to combat inflation, potentially reducing economic activity and fuel demand.
– Concerns about a slowdown in China also negatively impact crude oil prices.
– Factors supporting oil prices include a significant drop in US inventories, drone strikes on Russian refineries, and increased energy demand forecasts.
– The US Energy Information Administration reported a decrease of about 1.5 million barrels in US crude stockpiles for the week ending March 8.
– A drone attack attributed to Ukraine caused a fire at Rosneft’s largest refinery in Russia.
– The International Energy Agency has raised its 2024 oil demand growth forecast for the fourth time since November due to supply disruptions from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
– OPEC+ members have agreed to extend production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day through the second quarter, supporting higher crude oil prices.
– Crude oil is on track for strong weekly gains, with market focus shifting to the upcoming FOMC monetary policy meeting.