G.O. Notes

The UN loves acronyms.  Here’s another one:  AAR — after action review.  This is what we’re going to be doing for the next few days to assess how well — or poorly — we performed in planning and organizing for the three days of intensive talks earlier this week. All aspects of the operation — from the catering to facilities for the media — will be looked at to see where improvements could be made and where things worked just fine.  Some journalists complained about what they felt was too much security, for example. It’s a tricky balance to strike between trying to ensure security and facilitating the media’s work.  But obviously we all want adequate media coverage of these historic meetings.

The second round of intensive talks is set to start on 25 January.  We shall see then how the MFR*, the FMPU*, PIO*  and others have implemented the results of the AAR.

JLD

*If you ask, we’ll tell you in a future posting what these acronyms stand for.

The last day of the first week of intensive negotiations between the Cypriot leaders is coming to a close amid high expectations.  The leaders have so far discussed the question of governance and how the two communities — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots – would share power in a future united Cyprus.  Other issues on the agenda for the stepped up talks include economic matters and European Union affairs.

Today’s meeting has been taking place under some clouds, both figurative and literal.  Rain has been intermittent throughout the day, making conditions for journalists and UNFICYP staff camped out in front of the talks venue a little trickier.  But there is also somewhat of a somber mood inside:  many Cypriots are still in shock over the murder of Antis Hadjicostis, the media mogul killed Monday in Nicosia (Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias took time out from the negotiations to attend the funeral today); and UN staff are anxiously awaiting news about their colleagues in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.  Good news out of the discussions would most definitely help lift the mood.

JL Diaz

Much of Cyprus was shocked to learn of the killing last night of Antis Hadjicostis, the head the Dias Group, the country’s largest media conglomerate.  Mr. Hadjicostis was shot dead outside his Nicosia home by gunmen who fled on a motorcycle, according to police and media reports.  Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias briefly interrupted the intensive negotiations taking place in the United Nations Protected Area of Nicosia to pay his respects to the Hadjicostis family at their home.  The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Alexander Downer, also sent a message of condolences this morning.

This is the latest in a series of events to shake the island in recent weeks.  In early December grave robbers stole the remains of former Republic of Cyprus (RoC) President Tassos Papadopoulos.  Last week, the grave of another former RoC President Spyros Kyprianou was vandalized.

JL Diaz