Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-06-22

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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] Turkey and the regime are reportedly organizing a protest in Brussels on 27 June against the Cypriot term presidency of the EU

[02] Turkish Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Atalay is illegally visiting the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[03] Eroglu met with the EP Liberals

[04] Serdar Denktas: "The only responsible for the non solution of the Cyprus problem is the UN"

[05] So-called minister Atun calls the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to the implementation of the DTR and the GLR

[06] Libor Roucek of the EP Socialist Group announced that the High Level Contact Group for the Turkish Cypriots has been dissolved

[07] The visa petitions from UK by "TRNC passports" are examined by the British High Commission in Rome

[08] Turkish columnist comments on CHP Deputy's statements on the Cyprus problem; He describes CHP's new approach a shocking one

[09] Turkey to end sanctions against France; Davutoglu to travel to Paris for contacts

[10] Turkey's Foreign Ministry on the European Commission's decision to launch negotiation with Turkey on visa-free travel

[11] Protests force Turkish government to give up abortion ban

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkey and the regime are reportedly organizing a protest in Brussels on 27 June against the Cypriot term presidency of the EU

Under the title "Two airplanes to Brussels", the paper's editor-in-chief Sener Levent writes, inter alia, the following:

"Turkey, which cannot digest the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, is preparing for new provocative actions. And these actions are being carried now to Brussels. The TRNC rented two airplanes. It is flying to Brussels at 5 o' clock in the morning of 27 June. Totally 350 persons on two airplanes. On the same day they will hold a march between the two squares, which are in the centre of Brussels. They will protest against the term presidency of Cyprus. The financing of this will, of course, be secured by Ankara, but everything is being carried out through the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce. With which passport they will go? With the passport of the Republic of Cyprus.

The TRNC prime ministry is working intensively. It invited to the prime minister's office non-governmental organizations, which support the official policy, informed them on this issue and made a call on them to complete 350 persons. The Chamber of Commerce, the Businessmen Association, the Chamber of Industry, the Tradesmen and Craftsmen are among the invited organizations. Everybody is gathering people now. For the one-day attack in Brussels. Is it a problem to gather 350 persons? ?

They will go to Brussels and shout at the Schuman Square in Brussels: 'End the inhuman embargo!' What else? 'The EU Term Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus does not represent the Turkish Cypriots'. I do not know what coverage the televisions and the newspapers in Brussels will give to such an activity. However, if our people open their pocket a little, they could find space even on the front page. They might be as influential as the touristic brochures they pasted on the two-story buses in London!

Ankara, which enjoys the blessing of the Turkish 'yes' vote in the referendum, has a long time ago deviated from the way of a reasonable and just solution. With manipulative news and provocative actions it is trying to sabotage Cyprus's EU term presidency. Both prior to and after the 1st of July we may come face to face with very surprising actions. I wish our organizations, which will fly to Brussels for protest, flew to Ankara before. Since they demand direct contact with the world, let them ask from Ankara to give account. Is it not Turkey the one who mainly implements embargo on us? They cry and complain that it is not playing even a single match with us, but when time for protest comes they fly to Brussels? ?They will fly to Brussels with passports of the Republic of Cyprus. Having Cypriot passports in their pocket. Holding placards saying 'we are not recognizing the Republic of Cyprus'. Is it not the clearest evidence of this comedy? ?"

Referring to the same issue, columnist Levent Ozadam writes in Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (22.06.12) that the number of those going to Brussels is 500 persons. Under the title "With passport of the Republic of Cyprus to Brussels", Ozadam says that the reason for which many of those who will travel to Brussels will use the passport of the Republic of Cyprus is that they faced a problem with getting visa. According to Ozadam, when they informed the self-styled government about their problem, the latter decided that they could travel with the Cypriot passport. Ozadam recalls that the same self-styled government had decided the prohibition of traveling with passports of the Republic of Cyprus.

(ITs)

[02] Turkish Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Atalay is illegally visiting the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Atalay arrived at the illegal Tympou airport last night at 19.00. He will hold contact with various "officials" of the breakaway regime.

[03] Eroglu met with the EP Liberals

Among those who attended the meeting was the Vice President of the Alliance Antonia Parvanova, the Danish MEP Anne Jensen (BUDG), the Slovenian MEP Jelko Kac?n (AFET), the German MEP Gesine Meissner (TRAN), the Swedish MEPs Olle Schmit (DACP) and Cecilia Wikstom (Juri/Libe) as well as the British MEP Graham Watson (HGK).

Eroglu's "undersecretary" Hasan Gungur was also present at the meeting.

No statement was issued before or after the meeting.

[04] Serdar Denktas: "The only responsible for the non solution of the Cyprus problem is the UN"

Serdar Denktas made these statements in a meeting of his party where the latest developments of the Cyprus negotiations were evaluated.

Denktas stated that the only responsible for not reaching a solution in Cyprus is the UN which recognizes the Greek Cypriot side as the only representative of the island.

Evaluating the decision of President Christofias not to be a candidate for the presidential elections, Denktas stated that Christofias should act "heroically" and recognize the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. In this way he said, the Cyprus problem will be solved.

[05] So-called minister Atun calls the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to the implementation of the DTR and the GLR

The so-called minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun, the "head of the EU coordination office" Erhan Ercin and EU Assistance Program officials were among those attending the reception.

The aid program aims to modernize the structure of small and medium sized enterprises as well as to increase employment opportunities in the "TRNC".

Speaking at the reception, so-called minister Atun complained on the ongoing "isolations" imposed on Turkish Cypriots which, as he said, contradicted with EU's founding principles. "The Greek Cypriot side's rotating presidency shall contribute to peaceful efforts in Cyprus. I call on the Greek Cypriot side to work for the implementation of the Direct Trade Regulation for Turkish Cypriots and to help expand the Green Line Regulation" Atun said.

[06] Libor Roucek of the EP Socialist Group announced that the High Level Contact Group for the Turkish Cypriots has been dissolved

Underlining the fact that the EP's High Level Contact Group for the Turkish Cypriots did not paid any visit to "north Cyprus" in 2012, as it was planned, Libor Roucek said: "The Contact Group has been dissolved since it has failed to function".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Roucek expressed sorrow over the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unsolved. He then said that they will continue to exert efforts together with the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG), in order for the voice of the Turkish Cypriot's whose promises given had not been fulfilled, to be heard more strongly at the EP. He also promised that they will take initiatives for the organization of several events and seminars in Brussels, so that, with their mediation, the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to be heard at the EP.

Speaking at the same event, Ozkan Yorgancioglu, chairman of CTP underlined the need for the Turkish Cypriots to be represented at the EP directly and referred also to the fact that the High Level Contact Group has been dissolved because it failed function and because it did not paid visits to Cyprus, twice a years, as it was planned to do.

Saying that CTP will continue explaining the Turkish Cypriot's positions at several international platforms, Yorgancioglu said that the fact that several EU officials who visit Cyprus carry out meetings with CTP, indicates CTP's action.

Meanwhile, according to the paper, among those who participated to the 20-person delegation of the Socialist Group were the Vice Chairmen Libor Roucek, Stephen Hughes, Corina Cretu, Bernhard Rapkay and MP's Edit Herczog and Goran Farm.

The paper writes that the delegation accompanied by a CTP delegation visited occupied Famagusta and inspected several projects which are taking place with the finance of the EU.

(AK)

[07] The visa petitions from UK by "TRNC passports" are examined by the British High Commission in Rome

The paper, which notes that the holders of "TRNC passports" feel that they are treated unjustly, writes that visa petitions are sent to Rome and as a result their examination takes a much longer time compared to the procedure followed before. This is very difficult especially for the "TRNC passports" who apply for visa for medical reasons or who are old, writes Haberdar.

The paper reports further that even the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu experienced difficulties when he applied for visa regarding his trip to the UK the previous week and that he had to travel using his diplomatic passport of the Republic of Turkey.

[08] Turkish columnist comments on CHP Deputy's statements on the Cyprus problem; He describes CHP's new approach a shocking one

It has been almost two weeks since CHP leader Kemal K?l?cdaroglu met with chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Prime Minister, over the CHP's latest proposal on how to deal with the terrorism menace. Would not the CHP meet with other parties, particularly the MHP? But did it request an appointment from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy (BDP) or the far right Nationalist Movement (MHP) parties? 'Not yet, said Faruk Logoglu, the deputy chairman of the CHP. Why?'Our aim is to get an affirmative reply. An invitation request is made in front of cameras. The MHP said they would not even drink tea with us. I joked and said 'We are fit for a glass of water.' Discussion in society is continuing and we hope the MHP, with encouragement from society, will eventually become more positive? Then we will make a formal appointment request.'

That is, the CHP is not trying to win some political advantage by cornering or antagonizing other parties, rather it has been trying to forge a consensus atmosphere. Unbelievable, is it not? In a country of rampant confrontation culture, in a party with a history of opposing everything for the sake of just being an opposition party, there is a push to forge a national consensus to deal with fundamental issues of the country headed by separatist terrorism. This is perhaps the 'new CHP' that K?l?cdaroglu has been talking about.

'We have become a pro-settlement party. We have ideas and proposals for the resolution of the problems of this country,' said Logoglu. As if just few years ago a CHP official sitting in the very same chair was not condemning Turkey's support for the 2004 UN peace plan, or the Annan Plan, lamenting that if Turkey were to accept that plan, it should have accepted it 1.5 or two years earlier than it eventually did and use the EU accession of Greek Cypriots as a tool to resolve the Cyprus problem. Indeed that was one of the tools Annan Plan wanted to use but the Turkish side, for various reasons, was slow in acting on it.

'We have ideas for every problem. For example, the [deserted former holiday resort] Varosha issue. It can be returned to Greek Cypriots only in an overall settlement. As an interim resolution, besides the Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot and sovereign British base administrations a fourth administration, an international consortium might be created to administer the area so that hoteliers and former residents return. Similarly, the international consortium might be empowered to deal with hydrocarbon riches as well.'

Shocking, was it not? The CHP was coming, irrespective whether one can hail or condemn them as absurd, with some ideas to help the resolution of a problem without bagging itself down in nationalistic rhetoric".

[09] Turkey to end sanctions against France; Davutoglu to travel to Paris for contacts

Speaking live on CNNTURK TV channel on Thursday, Davutoglu said that he would travel to Paris on July 5 to hold bilateral talks. "With God's will, the inertia between Turkey and France will end following talks on July 5", Davutoglu stated.

"Turkey-France relations are strong enough to overcome certain difficulties. Our principled stance is clear. The government of the Republic of Turkey displays respect for all nations once it receives respect from them. If it receives disrespect, Turkey takes the necessary steps to protect the honour of its state and nation and acts within the frame of national interests", Davutoglu said.

"The meeting between Erdogan and Hollande on Wednesday was a good beginning, Davutoglu" also said.

Turkey-France relations came under serious tension during the administration of the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Ankara cancelled all economic, political and military meetings with Paris in December.

[10] Turkey's Foreign Ministry on the European Commission's decision to launch negotiation with Turkey on visa-free travel

A statement by the Ministry said that after the Commission prepared the action plan including steps that should be taken in regard to visa exemption, it would be presented to Turkey.

The statement said that Turkey called on the Commission to prepare the action plan and present to Turkey soon. The statement adds that the readmission agreement would also contribute to Turkey's combating illegal migration.

Turkey will wait for an EU action plan on visa exemption which the Commission will present in a year, before penning the readmission agreement which would allow expulsion of Turkish nationals who entered the EU territory illegally without any formality.

Readmission for third-country nationals will be possible following a three-year transition period which would allow for the construction of modern refugee processing centers.

The Commission is expected to present a visa exemption action plan this autumn and the implementation of the action plan is likely to come a minimum two and a half years.

Diplomatic sources say actual visa-free travel for Turks visiting the EU could be possible within 4-6 years and it would require a majority of votes in the EU. Turkey demands simultaneous implementation of visa-exemption and the readmission agreement.

[11] Protests force Turkish government to give up abortion ban

Speaking on the issue, the Health Minister Recep Akdag said: "We have done a detailed study on abortion. We will submit the report on this issue to the cabinet on Monday,"

Family and Social Affairs Minister Fatma Sahin said they would submit a proposal on abortion that would be "conscientiously acceptable for everybody."

The Ministers of Health and Social and Family Affairs backed Erdogan and had begun preparing a report for the restriction of both Caesarean sections and abortion.

Women's rights associations, opposition parties and international organizations warned the government not to impose a ban on abortion.

Along with abortion, Erdogan also said the rate of Caesarean section births should be decreased. The government introduced a proposal to restrict Caesarean section births late Wednesday. Under the proposal Caesarean section births will only be permitted in the case of medical obligation.

However, a recent statement from a senior member of the ruling party threw the public into confusion. Nurettin Canikli deputy group chair of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) said they would not change the abortion law in a statement to daily Hurriyet printed yesterday. In a swift response, Akdag said Canikli might have alluded to the busy schedule of the Parliament over the legislative year, as the Parliament is expected to adjourn by the end of June.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes safe, accessible but rare practice of abortion, Akdag said. "Banning or not banning abortion is not the question," he said, adding that the question is to develop a new understanding and make new regulations in accordance with these principles.

Akdag said abortion should not be a method of birth control or family planning. "If a woman does not want to get pregnant, there are modern [contraception] methods. But expulsion of the baby from the mother's womb cannot be such a method. This is conscientiously unacceptable. Our women should have the opportunity for safely induced miscarriage. We are considering improving these facilities; our strategic plan includes it", he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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