Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 11-10-20

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu: "The meeting did not turn out to be productive"

[02] Yorgancioglu evaluates current issues

[03] Saner asks for concrete steps

[04] ILGA sent letter to Eroglu and Kucuk asking for the immediate release of Michalis Sarris and the persons being detained

[05] Koca Piri Reis sailed to continue its seismic research

[06] The high level contact group for the Turkish Cypriots at the EP held several contacts in occupied Cyprus

[07] Turkey's Minister of National Education will visit the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

[08] Oil terminal to be constructed in occupied Eptakomi village

[09] "Turkey's unemployed to TRNC"

[10] "Turkey asks for international, EU support in anti-PKK fight"

[11] "Ankara vows 'immense revenge' for PKK attacks"

[12] Turkish opposition criticizes the AKP Government policies for the escalation of violence

[13] Turkey and Egypt agreed on mutual RORO services

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

Main issue in today's Turkish press is the PKK terrorist attack on Turkish soldiers which took place yesterday in Turkey, Hakkari and lead to death 24 persons. Other issues highlighted are statements by several Turkish and EU officials, the USA President Barack Obama and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who all condemned the PKK attack on Turkish soldiers. Also Turkish dailies report on the letters of condolence sent to the Turkish Premier Erdogan by the Turkish Cypriot letter, Dervis Eroglu, "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk and the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Hasan Bozer.

[01] Eroglu: "The meeting did not turn out to be productive"

Eroglu said: "We expected to have more productive results today (Wednesday). However, it is not possible to say, now that I am thinking about it, that the meeting was productive. We will start our preparations for the meeting in New York after the final meeting on Friday. I hope that more convergences will be achieved in New York and more positive results will be accomplished."

Eroglu said that in the meeting, they discussed proposals submitted by both sides regarding the property issue, the Turkish Cypriot side's proposals regarding legislation as well as any agreement achieved by the two sides being enshrined as EU primary law.

Commenting on the confusion created at the crossing points, Eroglu said this issue was discussed during the meeting, adding that this decision to allow only individuals holding Republic of Cyprus identity cards to cross had been initiated by police. However, he added that under the directions of President Christofias, this was cancelled immediately.

[02] Yorgancioglu evaluates current issues

Commenting on the arrest of the former Minister, Michalis Sarris, he supported that Sarris' arrest was contrary to the human rights, and he spoke of the possibility that the short lasting crisis occurred with the identities in the crossing-points to be related with this. Yorgancioglu stated also that this behaviour by Greek Cypriots might occur as a protest for the arrest of Sarris, saying that it was not a right decision.

Asked to comment to the issue which came into light as regards Eroglu's personal bank accounts, Yorgancioglu said that it was right from Eroglu's part to make a statement concerning his property holding.

Asked to comment to the issue concerning the drilling "crisis" in the island, Yorgancioglu expressed hopes that a remarkable progress will be achieved in New York by the end of this month and the crisis will come to an end. Yorgancioglu also expressed hopes for a solution to the Cyprus problem to be found soon and for a federal government to continue with the drilling activities. He then called on the two leaders on the island to exert any kind of efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem; otherwise, a political tension will be created, as he said.

[03] Saner asks for concrete steps

Speaking during the opening, Saner thanked the Turkish government, OIC General Secretary Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and officials of the General Secretariat for the support that they have been showing towards the Turkish Cypriots in every platform. He also provided information regarding the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and repeated the basic parameters that the Turkish Cypriot side wants, in order to reach a solution: "political equality of the two peoples, equal status of the two founding states, and Turkey's active and effective guarantees."

Saner said that now, more than never, the international community is needed to end the "isolation" of Turkish Cypriots at a period when the negotiations for a comprehensive solution are being continued. He also said that "obstacles in their efforts to establish contacts with the international community and cultural and athletic relations with other countries, even with Turkey, should be lifted." Moreover, Saner made a call to OIC member countries to take concrete steps towards lifting the "isolation," saying that the decisions already taken are important for the life of the Turkish Cypriots.

[04] ILGA sent letter to Eroglu and Kucuk asking for the immediate release of Michalis Sarris and the persons being detained

According to the paper, Paradis who addressed in her letter the Turkish Cypriot leader, Eroglu and so called prime minister, Irsen Kucuk as "Your Excellency President Eroglu,Honourable Prime Minster Kucuk", demanded the immediate release of those who are being detained, and the dropping of charges against those who are being prosecuted.

Paradis expressed also her concern over the fact that the "TRNC's Article 171 of Chapter 154 (Criminal Code)", which is the only article in European national law that still criminalizes consensual adult male same-sex sexual activity, recalled that they have conveyed their worries on the "law" to Hasan Bozer, so-called speaker of the assembly during the meeting they held on December 3, 2010.

Paradis stated that Bozer promised that he would do the necessary towards this issue, however, "nothing has changed with the law", Paradis said.

[05] Koca Piri Reis sailed to continue its seismic research

It is reported that if the weather conditions change, it will return to the occupied port of Famagusta.

[06] The high level contact group for the Turkish Cypriots at the EP held several contacts in occupied Cyprus

As the paper writes, Hasan Gungor, "undersecretary" of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Kudret Ozersay "special advisor" of Eroglu, Osman Ertug "spokesman" of Dervis Eroglu and Erhan Ercin chairman of the "prime ministry EU coordination centre" were also present at the meeting.

No statements were made after the meeting.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika (20.10.11), the High Level Contact Group for the Turkish Cypriots at the EP headed by Libor Roucek, paid yesterday a private visit to the headquarters of Afrika newspaper and met with Sener Leven, editor-in chief of the paper.

As the paper writes, the members of the High Level Contact Group were informed by Sener Levent on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the two attacks conducted against Afrika in the past.

Speaking during the meeting, Sener Levent, referred, inter alia, to the issue of oil and natural gas exploration activities, underlining that the oil and natural gas deposits in the island might let to a new solution in Cyprus or they might run into dangers.

Referring to the fenced off city of Varoshia, Sener said that Varoshia should open before the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Concerning the guarantorship issue, Sener Levent stressed that the guarantees of the EU are enough for the solution of the Cyprus problem and underlined that no other guarantees are necessary.

Sener further stated that the better and the easiest solution to the Cyprus problem is the return to the partnership based on the London and Zurich agreements.

[07] Turkey's Minister of National Education will visit the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus

Dincer, during his visit, will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu and self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk on Friday. He will also inaugurate kindergartens in the occupied towns of Morphou and Trikomo.

[08] Oil terminal to be constructed in occupied Eptakomi village

[09] "Turkey's unemployed to TRNC"

According to the data, Turkey's unemployment was reduced in 2010 by 2.1% or 425 thousand people. Harman wonderes how many of these came to Cyprus and asked officials to provide the relevant information. He said that in the breakaway regime they talk of an enormous population raise, however, for reasons unknown, they do not announce the exact population numbers. "We are 600,000 or 1,000.000 but still we cannot announce it," supported Harman who said that "opposition and governing" parties should share information on how many entered and exited "TRNC" [the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus]. Harman also wondered whether the breakaway regime is used as a laundering place for unemployment percentages and various crimes like gambling, drugs and weapon trading, or they shift unemployed population to the island knowingly.

[10] "Turkey asks for international, EU support in anti-PKK fight"

"Turkey has urged the international community, particularly the European Union and neighbouring countries, to give more support in its fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) following deadly attacks yesterday that killed at least 24 soldiers.

EU Minister Egemen Bagis summoned yesterday Marc Pierini, the bloc's ambassador to Turkey, to express Ankara's demands. At the same time, Masoud Barzani head of the Kurdistan Regional Government, called Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan to condemn the attack, which he said targeted Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood.

'Those who are trying to create grey zones in this struggle against the PKK are, intentionally or unintentionally, supporting this murderous organization,' Bagis told reporters after the meeting. (?)

He added that Turkey was expecting concrete steps from its European friends.

Pierini said the EU stood shoulder to shoulder with Turkey in its fight against terrorism, adding that nothing could legitimatize such a brutal attack.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton also accused yesterday terrorists of launching 'shameful terrorist attacks' on Turkish soldiers and said the EU was ready to help Ankara deal with the violence. (?)

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemned the PKK attacks yesterday. 'On behalf of NATO, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks in southeastern Turkey, which killed and injured several Turkish soldiers, policemen and civilians, including a child,' Rasmussen said in a statement.

A Turkish diplomatic source said Turkey was not planning to ask the NATO to invoke Article 5 of the NATO treaty, a fundamental principle of the alliance's collective defence. 'Asking the NATO to invoke it would clearly mean that we failed in handling this issue, something no government would like to do,' the diplomat said.

U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone also issued a statement yesterday condemning the attack. (?)

'No political cause and no religion can justify terrorism. As a friend and ally, the United States will continue to stand with the people and government of Turkey in their fight against the PKK, which the United States has officially designated as a terrorist organization,' he said."

[11] "Ankara vows 'immense revenge' for PKK attacks"

"Turkish President Abdullah Gul says revenge will be 'very great' for attacks carried out by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, while Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan underlines the timing of the deadly attacks that came on the day the official works on a new constitution were kicked off.

Ankara has promised 'immense revenge' for at least 26 soldiers killed by Kurdish militants yesterday as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called an emergency meeting with senior aides over cross-border military action to counter the escalating wave of violence. (?)

'The Turkish state will ring the neck of anyone who is openly or covertly sheltering, supporting, abetting and tolerating terror, or turning a blind eye to it,' Erdogan told reporters after the emergency talks.

The prime minister also underlined the timing of the attack. 'The treacherous attack that came on the same day as the works on a new, civilian and democratic constitution were to start will not retain us from a bright future,' said Erdogan. 'We will at the same time fight against terror and work to destroy the background it has been exploiting to get support.'

He argued that the recent escalation of PKK violence showed that 'the terrorist organization is the tool of those who target Turkey's well-being, peace and sustained development' and urged stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

Erdogan appealed to citizens to stay calm and refrain from any retributive action. 'Those who fail to control their anger should not know that they will be helping the terrorist organization to achieve its objectives,' he said, expressing commitment to democratic reforms. (?)

In further comments, Erdogan issued a veiled rebuke to the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) for refusing brand the PKK as a terrorist group, charging that their calls for peace were insincere.

He also urged opposition parties to withhold any criticism of the government. 'Today we need solidarity rather than criticism, recriminations and provocations,' he said. (?)"

[12] Turkish opposition criticizes the AKP Government policies for the escalation of violence

"Failed Government policies are to blame for an escalation in terrorism, Turkey's opposition said yesterday, recommending the establishment of a state of emergency in southeast Anatolia and a buffer zone in northern Iraq following a large-scale attack in Hakkari.

'A state of emergency must be declared in the regions where terror exists,' DevletBahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said in a written statement yesterday. He urged the government to launch cross-border operations into northern Iraq, where it would set up a buffer zone to stop the infiltration of militants into Turkey. (?)

The Justice and Development Party's (AKP) policies have been 'wrong from the beginning' as its attempts to 'create friendship' have resulted in 'defeat, disappointment, and terror,' said Bahceli, adding that acts of terror were being fuelled by the Government's failure to take action on the issue. (?)

Bahceli also criticized the Government for taking orders from the United States and expecting justice from the Iraqi Government. 'All of the steps they have taken so far have failed,' said Bahceli.

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu also condemned the PKK's attack while criticizing the Government for not taking appropriate measures in the fight against terrorism.

'I am making an open call to the Parliament Speaker: The Government is no longer the [main actor] for finding a solution [to terrorism]. The Government is incapable of solving this problem. Parliament should step in to solve it through establishing a commission tasked with producing suggestions to this end,' Kilicdaroglu told reporters following a party meeting yesterday.

'I have never seen a Prime Minister so helpless on a day when we 35 [were killed] in just two days,' he added, calling on the Government to resign while referring to another deadly PKK attack the previous day in the eastern province of Bitlis. (?)"

Moreover, HDN, under the title "BDP urges the Government and PKK to 'end war'", reports, inter alia, the following:

"Dialogue is the only way to resolve the Kurdish conflict, the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) said yesterday, urging both the Government and Kurdish militants 'to immediately end their war' after at least 24 soldiers were killed in Hakkari.

The BDP, whose main focus is the Kurdish issue, called on the Government, the Parliament and all political forces to mobilize for a peace process with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which launched the simultaneous attacks on security services early yesterday morning in the eastern province. (?)

The Government is responsible for the escalation in violence because of its reluctance to abandon military actions against the PKK.

'Unfortunately, the Government has not responded positively to calls by our party, civic groups and intellectuals to lay down arms and launch a dialogue. They have insisted on their policies of war, calling it a new period in the fight against terror,' the statement said. (?)"

[13] Turkey and Egypt agreed on mutual RORO services

The RORO services will officially begin between December 5 and 7, said Caglayan, who met the Egyptian Foreign Trade and Industry Minister Mahmoud Abd al-Rahman Eissa in Istanbul yesterday.

RORO ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, trailers and railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.

Caglayan said the RORO services would significantly increase the economic and tourist relations between Turkey and Egypt. He also said that a technical committee on a free trade agreement between the two countries would hold a three-day meeting beginning on Nov. 15 in Cairo. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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