Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-07-20

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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] Atalay: The "half-state" will become more obvious during the Cypriot EU term presidency

[02] Eroglu: the lifting of the isolations is the first priority of "TRNC"

[03] Eroglu met with Atalay and Isen; Atalay accused the Greek Cypriots for being far away from the solution and he described the Republic of Cyprus as a "half-state"

[04] Eroglu's address for the 20th of July

[05] Turkey's Atalay met with the so-called ambassador of the breakaway regime in Turkey; Atalay: "The future of the TRNC is connected to Turkey"

[06] Turkish warships in occupied Kyrenia

[07] Kucuk alleges that the Greek Cypriots are jealous of the illegal universities and the tourism of the breakaway regime

[08] Gunay Cerkez met with foreign journalists

[09] Ozgurgun stated that a solution to be reached on the Cyprus problem should be based on the equality of two separate states, bi-zonality and Turkey's active and effective guarantees

[10] Turkey's Parliament member, Hamarat is illegally in occupied Cyprus for the July 20 celebrations; he met with Eroglu, Bozer and Kucuk

[11] Turkish Cypriot organizations in the UK sent a letter of complaint to the IOC for the Turkish Cypriots' exclusion from the London Olympics; they demand their participation under the Olympic flag

[12] Protest against the incidents experienced last year during Erdogan's illegal visit to Cyprus

[13] Ramadan begins today

[14] Turkey and Japan sign MoU on economic cooperation

[15] Ex-deputy and 9 suspects for the KCK probe released

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Atalay: The "half-state" will become more obvious during the Cypriot EU term presidency

Noting that Turkey with all its institutions was here in the occupied area today together with the Turkish Cypriots, Atalay described the Turkish invasion of Cyprus as "a historic turning point for the entire Turkish nation". "The Turks of Cyprus will live free and prosperous as equal owners of the island and this will happen as long as the world exists", he argued.

Atalay described the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, as "an important gain for the regional peace and stability" with its "government", "assembly", NGOs and its structure as a "modern state of law".

Atalay claimed that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots acted together in their "national cause" and managed to change the existing view in the world showing who really wants a solution on the island and who the intransigent side is. He expressed the view that by their "yes" vote during the Annan plan referendum in 2004, the Turkish Cypriots showed that they were in favor of an agreement and managed to pass one step ahead. He noted that in spite of the fact that many years passed since then, it was useful to repeat this from the point of view of reminding the EU, the UN and the international community of what happened. He also alleged that the "constructive efforts" exerted by the Turkish Cypriot side during the Cyprus negotiations process, which started in 2008, showed once more who really wanted a solution and who refrained from the agreement.

Atalay accused the Greek Cypriot side of showing lack of will and alleged that because of this lack of will and in spite of all the efforts exerted by former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and Turkish Cypriot Eroglu during the negotiating process, no solution was reached by 1 July 2012 so that a new partnership state to be established and "legitimately" assume the EU term presidency.

"The European Union endures the consequences of the mistake it committed in 2004 by unilaterally accepting the membership of the Greek Cypriot side, which by voting with a vast majority 'no' to the Annan Plan clearly showed that it was not in favor of the solution", he claimed and added: "Of course I want to say the following as well: Currently there is a term presidency running. The South Greek Cyprus administration has the tendency to use the EU term presidency as a trump card. However, during the term presidency more interest will be directed towards the island of Cyprus, they will get to know it more closely, they will see the island more closely, and the half-state status here will become more obvious by the world. Perhaps this will be one of the biggest benefits of this term presidency".

Atalay reiterated the Turkish view that a comprehensive solution in Cyprus could be possible "only on the basis of the existing realities", noting that political will is what is necessary for the solution. He alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side exhibited its will and claimed that the way for the solution will open only when the Greek Cypriot side responds to this will.

Referring to the Republic of Cyprus' explorations for natural gas and oil in the Mediterranean, Atalay alleged that with the tenders for second round of licenses, the Greek Cypriots further advanced with the violation of the Turkish continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean. He claimed that this was another proof of the Greek Cypriot intransigence and added that Turkey will continue to protect the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.

Atalay referred also to the so-called embargoes implemented on the Turkish Cypriots and reiterated that these should end.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu: the lifting of the isolations is the first priority of "TRNC"

Eroglu said that the first priority of the "TRNC", breakaway regime in the occupied area of Cyprus, is the struggle against the so-called embargoes. "In the forthcoming period we will carry the struggle against these injustices to a next stage", he added.

He recalled that he was "prime minister" in 2003 when the restrictions put by the occupation regime on the freedom of movement in Cyprus were partially lifted. "Our aim was to show that the two peoples in Cyprus could live side by side", he said and referred to the Annan Plan alleging that the rejection of the plan by the Greek Cypriots showed clearly the reality in Cyprus. He admitted, though, that he and his party opposed to the plan, because they had serious doubts as regards the functionality of the plan and as to whether the plan could preserve peace on the island. He alleged that the international community should see at last what kind of solution the Greek Cypriots want if they rejected a plan which was in their favour.

Calling on the United Nations, Erolgu argued that the UN should evaluate publicly the stance of the Greek Cypriot side during the negotiations and announce with courage and sincerely why and where the negotiations came to a deadlock. He claimed that the UN will serve the establishment of lasting peace in Cyprus, if the realities are told. "Say courageously to the world what you are saying to us in our bilateral meetings, explain why the multilateral conference was not convened", he said.

Eroglu asked the EU why it did not keep the promises it gave to the Turkish Cypriots and alleged that they are "exerting maximum efforts to keep at the lowest level the damage", which the EU term presidency of the Republic of Cyprus will allegedly cause to the negotiations. "However, I have to stress once more that this situation makes the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Cyprus more difficult", he argued.

Alleging that on 1 July 2012 the EU doubled the so-called mistake it committed eight years ago, Eroglu claimed: "To what degree the so-called presidency of a half-state, a government which had as its target to murder its Turkish Cypriot citizens with the violence of guns, is in accord with the dreams and the ideals which established the European Union?"

Eroglu argued that no one could implement plans which will annihilate the Turkish Cypriots and demand from them to abandon their own administration. He claimed that the stronger the Turkish Cypriots are, the closer we come to peace in Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu met with Atalay and Isen; Atalay accused the Greek Cypriots for being far away from the solution and he described the Republic of Cyprus as a "half-state"

The so-called ambassador of Turkey in the occupied area, Halil Ibrahim Akca and the so-called minister of interior and local administration Nazim Cavusoglu were also present at the meeting.

In statements during the meeting, Atalay said that Turkey is always by the side of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Atalay accused the opposite side [meaning the Greek Cypriot side] for delaying tactics at the negotiation process, and for being far away from the solution and added that despite this, the Turkish Cypriot side has exerted efforts for finding a constructive solution. He added also the following: "Still, Turkey and the TRNC's hopes and future are not connected to this, they take and they will still take measures for the strong political construction of the country, and measures for the strengthening of the economy, in order to be able to live in prosperity".

Referring to the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency, Atalay said that with "South Cyprus EU term Presidency", the "negotiation process" were interrupted, and added that the Cyprus term Presidency, is a good opportunity for the EU countries to realize that "South Cyprus" is a "half-state" which has a lot of problems.

Saying that the international community is monitoring closely this process, Atalay stressed that the "TRNC's" economy and democracy have developed remarkably.

Reiterating that Turkey will be always by the side of the Turkish Cypriots as it did also in the past, Atalay called on the Turkish Cypriot "people" not to worry about their future. "The TRNC people's future will be better", Atalay said.

In his turn, Eroglu thanked Atalay for his words.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Eroglu underlined that it was the Turkish Cypriot side that pursued the solution at the negotiation table. Reiterating that the open-ended negotiations will not lead to any result, he stressed the need for putting a time limit for the negotiations.

Recalling the Turkish Cypriot side's proposal for a quintet summit to take place on the Cyprus problem and the fact that this proposal was viewed positively by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, Eroglu said that it was the Greek Cypriot side which rejected it. "They say that they want a solution in Cyprus, but, they act only in favour of the Greek Cypriots. This, according to me is a wrong stance. I am of the opinion that the UN Secretary-General should give some messages to the states at the Security Council, which are in favour of the Greek Cypriots", Eroglu added.

(AK)

[04] Eroglu's address for the 20th of July

Addressing the Turkish Cypriots on illegal Bayrak radio television yesterday, Eroglu said that they were joyously celebrating the "peace operation", as he called the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, conducted by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. "We are aware of the fact that being able to live in freedom and security was made possible by the step taken in the morning of July 20, 1974. This day in history is the most precious day for us all," Eroglu stressed.

"As Turkish Cypriot people, we have accomplished great things with the extensive support of motherland Turkey. There is no meaning in over-criticizing ourselves. Surely we could have done better but we should not underestimate our achievements," Eroglu said.

"I am hopeful about the future. The Turkish Cypriots have full confidence in motherland Turkey. We will reach better days with the support of Turkey, a country that will be among the top 10 economies of the world in the next decade, and through the decisions to be taken by the Turkish Cypriot government. We will be successful as long as we keep our unity and solidarity", he underlined.

Touching on the Cyprus problem, Eroglu alleged that it was the Turkish Cypriot side who always displayed a constructive approach to solving the Cyprus problem. "The Greek Cypriots have chosen to stall the process and wanted to gain political advantage as the term president of the European Union (EU)," he alleged adding: "The United Nations must take the Greek Cypriots away from an uncompromising attitude".

"The EU is not in a position to make easier finding a solution in Cyprus but rather is a factor that makes a solution impossible to reach", Eroglu indicated.

"I remember with respect all those who have made the July 20 peace operation possible. As long as the world stands still, the brightness of the sunrise in the morning of July 20 will show the path to Turkish Cypriots and our freedom as well as sharing a common fate with motherland Turkey would continue," Eroglu also said.

Meanwhile, illegal Bayrak television (19.07.12) broadcast that Eroglu met with the "speaker" of the so-called assembly, Hasan Bozer, the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk and the commander of the Aegean Army of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Abdullah Atay, in the occupied part of Lefkosia on Thursday.

Speaking during the meeting, Eroglu said that he was pleased to see the Turkish commander Atay who served in the island twice; served in the 1974 "peace operation" and served as an armoured brigade commander.

Atay said that he was happy to be in the island and represent the TSK on the 38th anniversary of the July 20.

[05] Turkey's Atalay met with the so-called ambassador of the breakaway regime in Turkey; Atalay: "The future of the TRNC is connected to Turkey"

In statements during the meeting, Atalay said: "The future of Cyprus is connected to Turkey, all Turkish Cypriots' water demand is supplied by Turkey. We will supply the electric power as well and it will provide a higher quality to Turkish Cypriots' life style, we are sure about achieving this."

Atalay stated that he will be attending the celebrations which are starting on Friday.

He added that the "TRNC" and Turkey are having the best bilateral relations of all times and stated: "As a government we are trying to support the TRNC as much as we can."

Reminding that he is the Deputy PM who is responsible for the relations between Turkey and the "TRNC", he underlined that the "TRNC" had been performing strong economic improvements and stated that the new development program is going to be applied in 2013.

He highlighted reform packages being prepared by the "parliament" of the "TRNC" and the economic growth. He said that the economic growth reached 5%.

Atalay also added that with the privatization, there will be important benefits and said: "Our water project is proceeding fast and well, all the tenders are over, the water reservoir project is nearly completed, the water will be coming from Anamur. Bidding contracts of water pipes which will be aid under the sea bed are solved and the pipes are already being pitched. The foundation of the water reservoir on the other side had been completed too. All the water that the whole of the island needs can be supplied from Turkey. This is the most vital investment."

Furthermore, Atalay highlighted the relations between the "southern Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus and the "TRNC" and said that as Turkey, we demand "equal, fair, mutual and federal structure".

Atalay talked about the "southern Cyprus' European Union term presidency", as he referred to the Republic of Cyprus' EU term Presidency and underlined: "We tell all Turkish Cypriot citizens that they do not need to worry about the results of the negotiations because Turkey is and will stand by the TRNC and support them all the time. There will not be any negotiations (between Turkey and Cyprus EU Presidency); we will not let that happen. The most important points of the TRNC are the economic growth and the development of democracy."

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (20.07.12) reports that Atalay arrived last night to the occupied area of Cyprus for the 20 of July celebrations. Atalay will depart from occupied Cyprus on Sunday.

[06] Turkish warships in occupied Kyrenia

(I/Ts.)

[07] Kucuk alleges that the Greek Cypriots are jealous of the illegal universities and the tourism of the breakaway regime

The paper writes that Oner told Kucuk that the Greek Cypriots had sent a letter to New Delhi complaining about the campus of illegal GAU there. Oner gave a copy of this letter to Kucuk, who receiving the letter alleged that the jealousy of the Greek Cypriots is not limited only in the illegal universities but it allegedly exists also in the field of tourism. He argued that some reactions were shown recently against the visit of students from Austria to the occupied area of Cyprus and instead of 4.500 students only 2.500 came. He said that this number will increase to 9.000 in the coming years and claimed that the students depart from the occupied area of Cyprus with the best impressions knowing that the "TRNC" allegedly has an "exemplary democracy".

Kucuk referred, also, to the European Parliament's High Level Contact Group with the Turkish Cypriots and reiterated that a new team will be appointed after the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus, alleging that some of the members of the old team were writing reports on the Turkish Cypriots without crossing over to the occupied area of Cyprus.

In statements during his meeting with the Turkish journalists, Kucuk argued that the Cyprus talks have been interrupted because of the Cypriot EU term presidency and the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus. He alleged that the Cypriot EU term presidency started to be debated in Europe as well and claimed that the EU should undertake initiatives in order to lift the so-called isolation and embargo on the Turkish Cypriots. Kucuk argued that especially the "embargo" in the field of sports is not a political one and it is meaningless. He claimed that they are facing the same problems in the field of education and argued that temporary measures and a "provisional period" to be implemented for the Turkish Cypriot students who want to study in Europe.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Gunay Cerkez met with foreign journalists

Cerkez said that the economy of the Republic of Cyprus is by 3.5 times bigger than the one of the breakaway regime and argued that the economic difference should be equalized in order for a just and lasting solution to be achieved on the island. He claimed that in order for this to happen, the obstacles in front of the direct trade should be lifted and airplanes and ships should come directly to the occupied area of Cyprus.

Cerkez argued that the natural gas and oil in the Mediterranean could be used as an opportunity in case it is used in covering the cost of a possible solution in Cyprus. He said that the water which will come from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus in 2014 will change the features of the "TRNC" economy.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ozgurgun stated that a solution to be reached on the Cyprus problem should be based on the equality of two separate states, bi-zonality and Turkey's active and effective guarantees

During the meeting, Ozgurgun pointed to the importance of telling the youth about the bitter experiences of the past.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said that they were working towards finding a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem together with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu. "We also want the continuation of the peace that was established in 1974", Ozgurgun said adding that once the equality of two separate states, bizonality and Turkey's active and effective guarantee is accepted, only then a settlement can be reached in Cyprus.

[10] Turkey's Parliament member, Hamarat is illegally in occupied Cyprus for the July 20 celebrations; he met with Eroglu, Bozer and Kucuk

Speaking to reporters while meeting Hamarat, Eroglu said that he thanked the Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek for his regards. "Cicek has made great services to the TRNC. The people of the TRNC will never forget Cicek," Eroglu stated.

"Being together on July 20 is highly crucial. We have come to this day after dark days that began in 1963," Eroglu said.

"While serving the Turkish Cypriot people, my aim has always been to make sure that our people look at the future with confidence. Every country could have problems. What is important is to solve such problems," Eroglu stressed.

Hamarat, on his part, said that he brought the regards of Cicek to the "TRNC", and expressed pleasure for his visit to the "TRNC" to join the July 20 celebrations. "Turkey, as a whole, is with the Turkish Cypriot people and will continue to be so. July 20 was realized based on the Turkish tradition of being on the side of the oppressed," Hamarat said.

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (19.07.12), within the framework of the 20th July "peace and freedom day visits", Hamarat met with the "speaker" of the "assembly" Hasan Bozer this morning.

Speaking during the meeting, Bozer pointed to the importance of cooperation between the "TRNC" and Turkey and reminded that the Turkish Cypriot "people" had come to where they are today due to the struggle waged in the past.

He went on and alleged that the "Turkish peace operation", as he referred to the Turkish invasion, has brought peace to both sides of the island and for this reason the Turkish Cypriots look to the future with confidence.

Referring to the so-called embargoes he said that the continuation of the "embargoes" imposed on the Turkish Cypriot "people" is "unacceptable". "We are sincere towards finding a lasting solution in Cyprus but the Greek Cypriot side is not", said Bozer.

Also, the so-called prime minister Irsen Kucuk met separately with Hamarat, the Special Education Association (OZEV), a delegation from the Ankara Journalists Society and the Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces Aegean Army General Abdullah Atay respectively.

During the visits, Kucuk thanked the visitors from Turkey for joining the Turkish Cypriot "people" on such a special day and said that their visits further strengthened the "TRNC".

Noting that bilateral relations were at its highest level and based on brotherhood, Kucuk said that the relations between the two countries were not based on interests and added that the doors of the "TRNC" were always open to "motherland" Turkey.

[11] Turkish Cypriot organizations in the UK sent a letter of complaint to the IOC for the Turkish Cypriots' exclusion from the London Olympics; they demand their participation under the Olympic flag

British Turkish Cypriot Association Chairman Cetin Ramadan and Southwark Turkish Cypriot Association Chairman Hulusi Yuruten said in a letter to Rogge that the IOC openly promoted inclusion for everyone and denounced political discrimination.

"We hope the same principle applies for the sporting rights of Turkish Cypriot athletes from northern Cyprus. Young Turkish Cypriot athletes also have the same aspirations as all top class world athletes," the letter wrote.

"Any world class athlete would consider it an honour to represent their own nation and to

compete under the colours of their national flag, however, the Turkish Cypriot athletes have put aside the politics and compromised their own flag and country by agreeing to participate under the Olympic flag as a positive way forward", the letter said.

"The former President of the IOC, the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, had made an offer to Turkish Cypriots to allow them to participate in all future Olympic Games under the Olympic flag," the letter alleged, and concluded claiming the following: "Turkish Cypriots are willing to accept participation under the terms laid out by the former IOC President and to join the Games under the Olympic flag as individuals rather than under their own national flag".

[12] Protest against the incidents experienced last year during Erdogan's illegal visit to Cyprus

(I/Ts.)

[13] Ramadan begins today

(I/Ts.)

[14] Turkey and Japan sign MoU on economic cooperation

Speaking at the penning ceremony, Minister Caglayan said that the two countries shared deep friendship and helped each other during the earthquakes in Van and Japan.

Expressing his sadness for those Japanese who lost their lives in recent floods in southern Japan, Caglayan said that Japanese citizen Atsushi Miyazaki who lost his life in an earthquake in the eastern province of Van was the martyr of both countries.

Minister Gemba said that he was pleased to meet Caglayan again after his visit to Turkey last January.

Minister Edano stressed that Turkey had an important position between Europe and Asia and had a very young population. "We wish to boost our economic relations with Turkey", Edano underlined.

While Caglayan's meeting with the two ministers continued behind doors, a group of anti-nuclear activists held a rally outside of the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry.

[15] Ex-deputy and 9 suspects for the KCK probe released

Nine suspects, including former Deputy Mahmut Al?nak, have been released in the second case of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) probe, within the scope of the recently passed third judicial package.

Arrested as part of the legal case opened against 50 people allegedly linked to the KCK, the alleged urban wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), nine suspects were released June 19. Of the 50 involved in the trial, 37 are currently under arrest, with the majority of them being lawyers in the case. The nine released convicts are Mahmut Al?nak, Yasar Kaya, Mehmet Nuri Deniz, Veysel Vesek, Cemo Tuysuz, Osman Celik, Ayd?n Oruc, Huseyin Cal?sc? and Haksan Sadak.

Istanbul's 16th Court for Serious Crimes decided to release the suspects due to presented evidence, the period of their detentions, and the recent third judicial package.

According to the board's decisions, the suspects will be taken under judicial controls individually, prohibited from travelling abroad, and required to sign in at a police station each week. The court decided against releasing the remaining 28 suspects currently imprisoned as part of the KCK probe, due to insufficient implementation of judicial measures considered within the third judicial package. The classification and nature of the crime, documents gathered from searches, physical pursuance and wire-tapping records, the statements of witnesses were all considered when examining the decision to continue the 28 suspects' arrest periods. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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