The Cyprus problem, and differing interpretations of the trilateral meeting between the two leaders and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, as well as the joint statement issued afterwards, dominate the front pages of the Cypriot press on Saturday. Other prominent stories include the planned teachers’ work stoppage, the absence of young voters from the electoral register, the official visit of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Cyprus, rising rental prices and the spread of seasonal infections.
Alithia, under its main headline “Absence Is Not Innocent”, writes that the bizonal, bicommunal federation was not included in the joint statement by the two leaders and the UN, while political equality was explicitly referenced. Elsewhere, the paper reports on the teachers’ work stoppage scheduled for next Thursday, noting that parents are furious with the teachers. In another story, it reports that the Athens Court of Appeal prosecutor concluded that Golden Dawn constitutes a criminal Nazi organisation.
Politis, in its lead story titled “The Picture Becomes Clearer in Ankara”, writes that María Ángela Holguín’s consultations in Ankara will be particularly significant in shaping how the Turkish government interprets references to a Cyprus settlement within the framework of UN resolutions. Elsewhere, it reports that the law on the waiver of pensions has been implemented following new senior appointments. In another article, it notes that the POED teachers’ work stoppage has triggered reactions from organised parents’ associations, which accuse teachers of using children as a means of pressure.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Resolutions Set the Framework”, writes that the trilateral meeting between Christodoulides, Erhürman and Holguín showed that UN Security Council resolutions define the framework within which any discussions on the Cyprus issue will proceed. Elsewhere, the newspaper reports that rental prices continue to rise year after year, with increases in some cases reaching €450 per month. It also reports on the spread of seasonal infections.
Haravgi, in its main article titled “Laying the Ground for the Resumption of Talks!”, writes that the majority of National Council members consider the joint meeting between the two leaders and Holguín, as well as the joint statement, to be a step in the right direction. Elsewhere, it reports that DISY, DIKO, DIPA and ELAM blocked support for refugees. In another article, it notes that 130 excavations for missing persons have been completed and that 10 per cent of efforts by the Committee on Missing Persons have been successful.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Young Voters Snub Elections”, writes that more than half of voters under the age of 25 are not registered on the electoral roll. Elsewhere, it reports on the official visit of Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Cyprus, as well as on Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas’ statement that the modernisation of the National Guard is a “top priority”.