Union fury as envoy recalled – TRNC-Turkish ties at a low as Platform prepares to greet austerity measures ‘architect’ with fresh rally and strike. Relations between North Cyprus and Turkey look set to plunge to a new low after the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa was replaced by a man seen as responsible for hugely unpopular austerity measures forced on the TRNC. Kaya Türkman left his post on Thursday to be replaced by Halil Ibrahim Akça, the chairman of the Turkish Aid Delegation for North Cyprus. The move comes as members of the Trades Union Platform prepare for another rally and general strike on March 2nd – which leaders claim will be even bigger than a previous event on January 28th. Mr Akça is seen as one of the key figures behind the Turkish government’s 880 million tl financial package to the TRNC this year – down from 916 million the year before – which has forced ministers to impose massive public spending cuts and led to civil unrest.Villagers battle for Balalan – A protest is being held by Karpaz villagers against the North Coastal Road tomorrow. They are angry at what they see as the destruction of the beautiful countryside by the road project and the prospects for development that will be opened up. Tomorrow’s picnic, between 11.30am and 2.00pm, is being held at Balalan, where the road passes, and is set to attract the support of villagers from nearby villages.
New TRNC chapter for Martina – “I’m absolutely thrilled” said author Martina Cole of her move into a different kind of book-selling. Her Best Seller Bookstore in Karakum opened its doors on Wednesday, and a special event will be held there tomorrow, with the best selling crime writer laying on drinks and nibbles. There are also ambitious plans to bring big-name authors to the TRNC for signing sessions and talks.
Turkish minister slams ‘insulting’ demonstrators – The Turkish minister with responsibility for Cyprus has condemned anti-Turkish protesters for ‘insulting’ his government while at the same time taking its money. Cemil Ciçek said Turkey had in the past given blood for its “brothers” in North Cyprus – as well as huge financial donations. He also said that the January 28th demonstration had been exploited by Greek Cypriots who had joined the marches in an attempt to drive a wedge between Turkey and North Cyprus. “This will happen again in the future and one needs to be careful not to fall into a trap. The [peace] talks are continuing and the Greek Cypriots want to prolong them. They are not in favour of a solution. Greek Cypriots are engaged in an effort to put the blame on Turkey and the TRNC for the failure to find a solution.”
CTA employees fight for compensation – Former workers of the bankrupt national carrier, CTA, took to the streets yesterday in their bid for compensation. A total of 132 workers held protests outside the TRNC’s Provident Fund building. The staff have already submitted a complaint to the police after it emerged that deductions from their wages were not paid into the Provident Fund.
Doctors action threat – Doctors and nurses could end up by refusing to work out of hours if money owed to them is not paid, union leaders have warned. Bosses at doctors, nurses and midwives and health workers trade unions have said they could end up following the example of customs officials if their demands are not met.
Petrol stations may shut down – Petrol stations could shut down in protest at “wafer thin” profit margins, a union leader has warned.
Greek demonstration set to show solidarity with Turkish Cypriots – Greek Cypriot trade unionists will stage a demonstration today at Ledra Street in order, they claim, to show solidarity with their Turkish Cypriot counterparts. Members of the United Cyprus Platform’s South Cyprus wing will gather at 11.00am. The move comes in the wake of claims that Greek Cypriots are taking full advantage of the current dispute between the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriots.
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