Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-06-18

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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] Statements by Christofias to Turkish daily Milliyet

[02] Eroglu commented on President Christofias statements to a Turkish daily

[03] Fule to carry out contacts in occupied Cyprus

[04] The breakaway regime granted the "TRNC citizenship" to 30 more persons

[05] The "assembly" of the regime will be represented in an international forum in Azerbaijan

[06] Turkey prevented the Republic of Cyprus to become member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

[07] The breakaway regime will spend 100 thousand pound sterling for promotion in London

[08] The water transfer from Turkey to occupied Cyprus to be discussed in Ankara

[09] "Northern Cyprus a new casino haven for wealthy"

[10] "Has AK Party become the deep state in North Cyprus?"

[11] More on Turkey's ties with China; Statements by the Turkish Ambassador to China

[12] Erdogan's response to Zana's statements; Erdogan leaves door open to meet with Kurdish deputy Zana

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statements by Christofias to Turkish daily Milliyet

"I intend to revive several chapters with the European Union [during our presidency]. But this has to be with a give-and-take process. This is about Famagusta. The Famagusta port can be opened for Turkish Cypriots so that all citizens in our country can make trade under the U.N. umbrella," Christofias told daily Milliyet. He said that the second part of this give-and-take process will center around the Varosha neighbourhood in the city of Famagusta. He called for the opening of Varosha to residences in exchange for steps taken by the Republic of Cyprus.

Christofias said they did not wish to be an obstacle standing before Turkey's EU bid, because "we know that this is not to our benefit as well." The Republic of Cyprus head to the polls in February of 2013 to vote for their next president and Christofias has signalled that he may rerun. Citing that he has told his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Dervis Eroflu to "make progress for a solution," Christofias said he may rerun for the presidency if they can "enter a solution stage."

Christofias said they were ready for "a federal solution with a two-community" and that he has also told this to the U.N. Secretary General's special envoy Alexander Downer. "But [Downer] told us that Turkish Cypriots are not ready [for a federal solution] after he met with Eroglu. We said first bureaucrats should meet. And then we learn that [Eroglu's special envoy] Kudret Ozersay resigns," Christofias told Milliyet.

Subtitle: Share of gas and oil reserves

Speaking on the "Greek Cyprus' initiative" of oil and gas search in the eastern Mediterranean, Christofias said he told the U.N. General Assembly that they will be glad to see both sides of the island benefit from these energy reserves.

[02] Eroglu commented on President Christofias statements to a Turkish daily

Responding to a question on statements made by President Christofias to Turkish Milliyet daily newspaper, Eroglu claimed the following: "Mr Christofias has forgotten that we are his interlocutors at the table. This kind of statements aims at misleading. However, at the stage we have reached, we saw that Christofias has no intention, and especially no courage, to agree".

Eroglu alleged that President Christofias "is playing such games in order for becoming candidate again" in the presidential elections of February 2013.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Fule to carry out contacts in occupied Cyprus

According to an official statement from the EU Commission, the EU Enlargement Commissioner will meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, the leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Ozkan Yorganc?oglu as well as with officials from the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

Fule will also inaugurate the renovated Bandabulya shopping bazaar, in occupied Lefkosia on Wednesday.

The EU Commissioner will complete his contacts on the island with a press conference at the EU House on Wednesday.

[04] The breakaway regime granted the "TRNC citizenship" to 30 more persons

The paper publishes a list of the persons which were granted the "citizenship", and notes that among them is the chairman of the Bursaspor Sport Club, Ibrahim Yazici and persons who were born in places like Oromiyeh, Mjandoab and Karaj.

The list of the persons, as it was published at the so-called official gazette of the breakaway regime, is the following:

Mustafa Keten who was born in Konya in 1946

Leslie William Hardy who was born in Blackpool in 1946

Ahmet Isler who was born in Tarsus in 1966

Duygu Dizman who was born in Avcilar in 1994

Mehmet Canpolat who was born in Elazig in 1966

Torkan Hashemi Nia who was born in Oromiyeh in 1971

Kemal Sedele who was born in 1963

Izzet Yildizhan who was born in Cermik in 1963

Arzu Vurgun who was born in Ankara in 1976

Muhammet Necati Sasmaz who was born in Elazig in 1971

Abdulkadir Seker who was born in Cermik in 1977

Zehra Onder who was born in Mardin in 1941

Seyfettin Gultekin who was born in Ankara in 1977

Erdi Satici who was born in Lefkosia in 1987

Ayten Elbay who was born in Sahinbey

Ihsan Cam who was born in Yesilhisar in 1993

Edim Aykut Van Buruggen who was born in Antalia in 1994

Baris Polat who was born in Istanbul in 1994

Mustafa Naim Atakas who was born in Iskenderun in 1990

Hayrunnisa Ozdemir who was born in Merzifon in 1968

Devran Bayhan who was born in Nusaybin in 1975

Suat Ozcan who was born in Sivrihisar in 1951

Zeynebim Asci who was born in Berlin in 1971

Nevin Siddiqi who was born in Antakya in 1982

Ibrahim Yazici who was born in Bursa in 1948

Abdulkadir Cuneyt Giray who was born inAnkara in 1957

Eroglu Oguz who was born in Mut in 1953

Ali Haydar Hakalmaz who was born in Fatsa in 1971

Samad Kzanzadeh who was born in Mjandoab in 1961

Mohsen Aghaee who was born in Karaj in 1971

Mehmet Baycam who was born in Kirikkale in 1969

[05] The "assembly" of the regime will be represented in an international forum in Azerbaijan

The following "MPs" will participate in the delegation: "vice-president" of the "assembly", Mustafa Yektaoglu, Mutlu Atasayan, Necdet Numan and Afet Ozcafer from the National Unity Party and Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Sibel Siber from the Republican Turkish Party.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkey prevented the Republic of Cyprus to become member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Akar said that if this was to happen, then the Turkish Cypriot Red Crescent Organization should become a member of the International Federation: "It is either all or none", he stated.

He went on and added that he was board member of the international Federation for two terms and after his efforts the Turkish Cypriot Red Crescent Organization the status of the observer at the International Red Federation.

[07] The breakaway regime will spend 100 thousand pound sterling for promotion in London

(I/Ts.)

[08] The water transfer from Turkey to occupied Cyprus to be discussed in Ankara

According to the paper, the delegation will hold contacts with officials by the Turkish Ministry of Water and Forest, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding and the Directorate of Water Affairs.

[09] "Northern Cyprus a new casino haven for wealthy"

With the efforts to revamp and modernize its hotels, Turkish Cyprus has become a much sought-after new casino destination for gamblers. The casino sector alone has so far brought in $600 million in revenue for the Turkish Cypriot economy, according to Turkish Cyprus' Casino Managers Union General Coordinator Ayhan Sar?cicek, who was speaking to daily Hurriyet.

Turkish Cyprus' casino sector has become particularly attractive to Arab tourists who want to participate in gambling tournaments, Sar?cicek said. 'There are 25 casinos in Turkish Cyprus. Each year these casinos hold 55-60 tournaments. At least 10 of these tournaments are broadcast on foreign TV stations, and prizes range from $1.5 to $4 million. These tournaments have a huge impact on our economy. Today, tourists from Canada to China come to Turkish Cyprus for these tournaments,' he said.

Saricicek explained that because of the economic crisis in Europe the casino sector there was unable to benefit from new investments, which are vital to keep fuelling the sector. However, Turkish Cyprus has been continually investing in its casinos and slot machines.

'Gamblers love innovations. Sector representatives are therefore increasing their investments,' he said.

Golden Tulip Hotel Platinum Pasha Casino owner Vedat Erbas told daily Hurriyet that they were trying to attract rich customers from Lebanon, Qatar and Kuwait.

'It's not easy for these tourists to come to Turkish Cyprus. The biggest obstacle is transportation. However, with private jets we've been able to draw important customers to the casino,' said Erbas. 'Even our king suits aren't enough to accommodate them, so we've increased the number of suites with more investments. This tourist profile loves luxury and we are doing all that we can.'

Erbas noted that the largest portion of a casino's expenditures come from the purchase of alcohol and cigarettes, which can account for as much as 70 % of expenditures.

Every year thousands of tourists visit Turkish Cyprus to gamble. There are 25 casinos in Turkish Cyprus with a minimum of 55 tournaments. Some 5,000 people are employed by the sector and the Turkish Cypriot government annually receives $2,000 in taxes per table at the casinos and $200 in taxes per machine. The average casino employee earns roughly $1,750 per month.

Casino sector in Las Vegas and Macau pay the most taxes to their governments.

[10] "Has AK Party become the deep state in North Cyprus?"

Indeed, the administration in North Cyprus is affiliated with Turkey systematically. While this affiliation brings a segment of the Cypriot Turks to a somehow 'collaborator' position it pushes a significant portion of them into a 'What is this we are suffering from Turkey?' mood.

The ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) determined policy for the acceptance of the Annan Plan against the Turkish Armed Forces' (TSK) 'deadlock reflex' has changed many equations. Those anti-solution politicians have been wiped away from the political scene.

We are visiting Cyprus and we are talking about the current situation with leaders of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP). Leader Ozkan Yorganc?oglu and his friends gave the message 'we are not hopeless' to a group of journalists coming from Turkey.

They said this: 'Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot Demetris Christofias have taken a significant step toward a solution. Dervis Eroglu's election as president made us lose two years. Now, some steps can be taken. Christofias also is willing to spend his last eight months in search of a solution.'

Indeed, it all comes down to Turkey.

Turkey, on the other hand, has given the impression that 'it has given up the matter of Cyprus.' One of the Cypriot journalists we met over lunch, conveyed to us an interesting picture about Erdogan's last visit: Erdogan told the crowd who came to greet him, 'We are proud with our 'yes'.' The crowd who was greeting him had come from Turkey and was made up of those who had voted 'no.' They have forgotten that they are in Cyprus and were chanting: 'Turkey is proud of you.' The Turkish Cypriots who have voted 'yes' to the Annan Plan were being clubbed by police at that moment.

The 'style of application' of the aid from Turkey is one of the essential factors which hamper the relationship between the two. CTP leader Yorganc?oglu brought up the subject of an "Aid Council." This council is under the supervision of the Turkish Embassy and decides exactly where the aid goes and how it is distributed.

Of course, those institutions that establish one-to-one relations to receive this aid need to act with Turkey's direct guidance. This system makes relationships unequal and also brings an 'addiction.' In order to evaluate the psychological effect of the phrase 'fed by Turkey,' one needs to understand this rooted system.

The TSK continues its dominance over North Cyprus. It is TSK who decides who will be appointed to head the fire department, also the police chef. This situation reflects on daily events. For example, when there is a fight between Kurdish students and nationalist students in a university, TSK takes over the investigation and immediately Kurdish students are deported from Cyprus in groups. Often, the North Cyprus Interior Ministry does not even know about this practice of deportation. Even if it were informed, it does not have any other option but to agree.

Recently, President Mehmet Ali Talat asked 'What happened to the Ergenekon in Cyprus?' Let me remind you: North Cyprus was a place where the Special Operations Department was the most active. Several generals who had a hand in coups, coup attempts and domestic disturbances in Turkey either 'practiced' in Cyprus or were 'promoted' to Cyprus.

Now nobody is cracking down on this. There is an environment where the TSK can maintain the former system. AK Party, on the other hand, does not seem to be uncomfortable. So the Cypriots are asking: 'Has AK Party become a part of the deep state here?'"

[Oral Calislar is a columnist for daily Radikal in which this piece was published on June 15. It was translated into English by the Daily News staff].

[11] More on Turkey's ties with China; Statements by the Turkish Ambassador to China

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Ambassador Esenli said that China had great experience in nuclear energy. "China is about to become a potential partner with Turkey in nuclear energy", Esenli stressed.

Touching on a planned storage facility for natural gas beneath Turkey's Tuz Golu (Salt Lake), Ambassador Esenli said that Turkey and China have entered a strategic phase for creating a reserve.

"Turkey and China have signed an agreement for the Tuz Golu storage facility. The project will cost 536 million USD", Esenli underlined.

"Another important energy project with China has to do with the thermal power plant to be erected in southern province of Adana", Esenli said, adding that the thermal power plant will have a capacity of 600 megawatts and is worth is 1.2 billion USD.

"China is one of the countries least affected by the global economic crisis. China has great amounts of funds. China allocated 15 billion USD for energy projects in Turkey", Esenli also said.

[12] Erdogan's response to Zana's statements; Erdogan leaves door open to meet with Kurdish deputy Zana

Speaking to reporters early Sunday before his departure to Mexico, Erdogan said: "If only the BDP would forget about weapons and terror organization and continue its political struggle at the Parliament, this is my wish [in light of] Zana's statements."

In an interview with daily Hurriyet, Zana called on the PKK to cease armed conflict and for the BDP to lead political talks with Erdogan, whom she believes can solve the Kurdish issue.

"There is no demand from Zana to meet me. I would not hesitate to meet a lawmaker if this demand is made," said Erdogan, who has rarely met with Kurdish lawmakers due to their alleged resistance in denouncing the PKK and terrorism.

Zana has turned into the iconic figure of the Kurdish political movement after spending ten years in jail for taking her parliamentary oath in Kurdish in the early 1990s. She was elected to Parliament again as an independent lawmaker in last year's election from Diyarbakir.

Her statements, described by many as historic, received support from all parties except for the BDP, who accused her of falling into Erdogan's trap. BDP co-chairperson Selahattin Demirtas recalled massive arrests against BDP local officials in the entire country and said the government's power will not be enough to divide the BDP.

Demirtas softened his remarks against Zana on Saturday and said the Kurdish political movement will never leave Zana alone in the middle of "greedy wolves." Demirtas did also underline that the priority is the demands of the Kurdish people at a party rally in Van. "We'll do whatever we have promised to you before elections. We are your representatives [at the Parliament]. It's you who are the primary and the powerful. Not any of our mayors, party officials or lawmakers could be superior to the will of our people," he said in obvious reference to Zana's words.

Criticizing BDP lawmakers for behaving differently inside and outside the General Assembly, Erdogan recalled that the problem could be solved perfectly in a sincere environment. "What I say as the Prime Minister, as the head of the AK Party is that the separatist terror organization should lay its arms down. State's security forces will not cease operations if they do not drop weapons," he stressed.

Erdogan expressed his wish that BDP lawmakers and their electorate will also understand this and the process of solving the Kurdish issue would successfully be concluded. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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