Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-03-20

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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 discusses the economic crisis in the government-controlled area of Cyprus

[02] The breakaway regime expects flow of money from the government-controlled area

[03] Rahmnioglu: "Turkish Cypriot banks will investigate all bank transfers from Greek Cyprus to prevent money-laundering"

[04] Most-wanted Brit arrested

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the decision of the House of Representatives on Eurogroup's proposal

[06] How the Turkish press covers yesterday's rejection of the bailout plan by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] Erdogan due to Denmark; The Cyprus problem is included in his agenda

[08] Eroglu met with the Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors

[09] A Danish official describes the Republic of Cyprus unilateral membership to the EU before the solution of the Cyprus problem as a mistake

[10] The walls of occupied Keryneia are reportedly in danger

[11] Double bomb attack at AKP HQ and Turkish Justice Ministry building in Ankara

[12] A former Deputy of CHP joined AKP

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu discusses the economic crisis in the government-controlled area of Cyprus

The self-styled finance minister of the regime, Ersin Tatar, Eroglu's adviser, Hasan Gungor and the self-styled president of the so-called central bank participated in the meeting.

(I/Ts.)

[02] The breakaway regime expects flow of money from the government-controlled area

Tatar argued that because of the haircut in the deposits and the disadvantages in the taxation, in case the proposal passed from the parliament, especially some British citizens might prefer to transfer their deposits to the banks in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, which he described as "a save port" from the point of view of the banking sector and financing.

In his statements, San said that no direct influence is expected by the haircut in the deposits in the government-controlled area of Cyprus on the banks in the occupied area of the island, because they have no relation with the banks in the government-controlled area. Therefore no situation that necessitates additional measures exists, he added.

"However, the course of the above-mentioned crisis should be followed from now on", he said arguing that the measures to be taken in the government-controlled area could cause flow of money to other countries.

"In this context it is said that there is possibility for flow of funds towards our country and that there have been demands in this direction", he noted.

Okur said that the haircut of the deposits is something unprecedented in the world and it is wrong. "If the aim was to prevent the black money, this could be done by punishing these wrong practices", he added.

Okur noted that the trust in the banking sector of the government-controlled area of Cyprus will decrease because of this haircut and added that the lack of trust will influence all the problematic economies of the EU and especially Spain, which will be seriously harmed. Okur said that they do not expect serious flow of money to the occupied area of Cyprus because of these developments, but argued that they should be careful about black money that might be transferred from the government-controlled to the occupied area of Cyprus.

On his part, Besim said that not only Europe, but the whole world will be influenced by the cut in the deposits. He argued that this development will direct the depositors towards gold. He also said that the competitiveness of the occupied area of Cyprus might be influenced, because of the decrease in the prices in the government-controlled area and that some Turkish Cypriots, who work in the government-controlled area, might lose their jobs.

Meanwhile, in statements to Anatolia news agency on the same issue, self-styled finance minister Ersin tatar argued yesterday that in case the rescue package did not pass from the House of Representatives, the Republic of Cyprus would come to the verge of disaster, it would officially bankrupt and the people would attack the banks.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Rahmnioglu: "Turkish Cypriot banks will investigate all bank transfers from Greek Cyprus to prevent money-laundering"

"We expect a [monetary] flux from Greek Cyprus's depositors through our banks. We will check the origin of the money to prevent money laundering, even if it is a bank transfer," Rahmioglu said.

He stated that the "KKBB" has warned all "northern Cyprus" banks to strictly investigate bank transfers from the other side of the island.

"However, the banks will not accept any cash of local or foreign depositors from Greek Cyprus, they would only accept bank transfer after a detailed check", he said. "When deposits come via bank transfer, it is not 'OK' for us... Our duty is to ask its origin and how it was earned," he added.

Rahmioglu noted that they needed to investigate the origin of the deposits coming from "Greek Cyprus", claiming that Russians had a considerable amount of deposits in the Greek Cypriot banking system.

"Northern Cyprus" should not open up to Russian deposits from "Greek Cyprus" without investigation, said Rahmioglu. He noted that their banking system was in a vulnerable position, whereas "Turkish Cyprus" was not a recognized country in the world.

The European Union has not been tolerant of "Greek Cyprus", Rahmioglu, said.

He said the EU aims to tax illicit money by loading a part of the burden on it. "We do not want this illicit money to come to the north. Because they are suspicious," he said.

Rahmioglu underlined that if the depositors transfer their money to the "north" with the aim of money-laundering, "northern Cyprus" would become "a country that helps money-laundering", adding that "northern Cyprus", whose economy has always been transparent abroad, always fights illicit money.

Nonetheless, he repeated that if bank transfers from "southern Cyprus", referring to the Republic of Cyprus, proved not to be illicit, they could accept it.

(?)

[04] Most-wanted Brit arrested

Murder suspect John Anslow, who goes by the nickname Skitz, was arrested in occupied Karavas village on Wednesday, and deported by "TRNC authorities".

The 32-year-old is charged with the murder of 27-year-old skip hire boss and father-of-two Richard Deakin, who was shot twice in his bed in Chasetown, Staffordshire, in July 2010.

Anslow was placed into the custody of Staffordshire police at Heathrow Airport on Saturday.

The fugitive became the first Category A prisoner to escape in 17 years, when a gang of masked men armed with a sledgehammer attacked the police van due to take him to court, near HMP Hewell, Redditch, on January 23 last year.

A ?10,000 reward was placed on Anslow's head and the killing featured on the BBC Crimewatch programme.

Anslow was officially named Britain's most-wanted man by police three days after his escape. There were reported sightings of him in Morocco, Spain and Birmingham. There were also claims he had been killed by those who had freed him.

It is still not clear how the suspect, reputedly a multi-millionaire, dodged capture by a multi-force operation which monitored the UK's ports and airports.

The paper writes that he was arrested over immigration offences in the "TRNC" last Wednesday and is now being held at a high-security unit. He appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday afternoon via video link.

He was charged over his failure to attend court on January 23 last year, and still faces the murder allegations.

According to the paper, ""TRNC" police spokesman told Cyprus today: 'Because the TRNC is unrecognised there is no extradition treaty but we abide by the international organisation Interpol on serious crimes'.

'Mr Anslow was arrested for immigration violations and deported' ".

[05] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the decision of the House of Representatives on Eurogroup's proposal

Kibris: "No to the EU", "The Greek Cypriot parliament rejected the draft-law providing for the expropriation of a part of the bank deposits", "People raided into the parliament", "People's voice was listened to", "The only hope is Russia"

Afrika: "The Greek parliament in the south said 'get out' to the EU", "The Greek side in Cyprus did what Greece could not do. The Greek Cypriot parliament rejected with vast majority the EU's destruction package that has been submitted under the name of 'rescue'. While 36 'no' votes came out in yesterday's voting for the package, 19 abstained. Not a single person said yes! Nikos Anastasiades, who has not completed even one month at the presidency, received the first strong slap and became the first president whose resignation is asked within such a short period of time?"

Haberdar: "OXI to the EU!" "?While after the 'no' decision, the EU is expected to take the parliament into consideration and sit again with Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades at the table, south Cyprus knocked the door of Russia, which owns 20 billion out of the 70 billion-euro deposits in its banks. The Greek Cypriot administration, which is concerned of losing the Russian support, is trying to find support by sending Finance Minister Michalis Sarris to Moscow. It is believed that the citizens, who have been protesting outside the parliament during the meeting and were shouting slogans such as 'we will not be the slaves of the 21st century' and 'no to Troika', have been influential in the 'OXI' decision".

Yeni Duzen: "Rejection to the cuts from the deposits!"

Havadis: "OXI to the Eurogroup"

Gunes: "The Greek Cypriot people rioted"

Star Kibris: "The uprising caused fear"

Halkin Sesi: "There is no 'yes' to the EU"

Vatan: "'No' to the EU package from the Greek Cypriots"

Volkan: "The Greek Cypriot people in the streets", "The Greek Cypriots asked for the resignation of Anastasiades during the 'no to the haircut' protest, they lowered the German flag and opened the Russian flag"

Kibrisli: "'Rejection' by the Greek Cypriot Parliament"

Ortam: "NO to the package in the south?"

(I/Ts.)

[06] How the Turkish press covers yesterday's rejection of the bailout plan by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus

Following are some of the titles of the Turkish papers:

Hurriyet: "Greek Cypriot roulette". The paper writes that the Greek Cypriot government has rejected yesterday the haircut on bank deposits underlining that not even one Deputy has voted "yes" to the bill.

Cumhuriyet: "Greek Cypriots rejected the EU package".

Zaman: "The Greek Cypriot assembly did not approved the haircut on bank deposits"

Sabah: "Greek Cypriots said 'no' to the bank deposit tax"

Aksam: "Greek Cypriots rejected the package"

Milliyet: "Painful hours in the island, stretched south Cyprus"

Today's Zaman and Hurriyet Daily News (online-in English): "Greek Cyprus throws bailout into disarray, seeks Russian help".

(AK)

[07] Erdogan due to Denmark; The Cyprus problem is included in his agenda

In statements at the Esenboga airport prior to his departure for Denmark, Erdogan made statements about his trip and replied to questions of reporters.

Speaking about his visit to Denmark, Erdogan said that he pays visit to Denmark and the Netherlands upon invitations he received from the Danish Premier Helle Thorning Schmidt and the Premier of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. He added that he would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and several Deputies.

Erdogan added that during his bilateral meetings, he will evaluate and discuss several issues such as issues related to Turkey's EU membership bid, Cyprus, Syria the peace process in the Middle East, the developments in the Middle East and north Afrika, and international and regional issues related to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and the Balkan countries.

(AK)

[08] Eroglu met with the Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors

The latest stage in Cyprus issue and the future of the Cyprus negotiations process was discussed during the meeting.

Eroglu is continuing diplomatic contacts on the Cyprus issue, following last month's Presidential elections in "south Cyprus".

Eroglu's "special representative and spokesman" Osman Ertug and his "undersecretary" Hasan Gungur were present at the meeting.

No statement was issued to the press before or after the meeting.

[09] A Danish official describes the Republic of Cyprus unilateral membership to the EU before the solution of the Cyprus problem as a mistake

"The former government was dependent on an extreme right party, the Danish People's Party, which is a xenophobic, anti-Turkish party," said Boel in a presentation at the Global Political Trends Center (GPoT). In response to a question from Today's Zaman on what really leads to opposition to Turkey's membership in the EU, Boel said it is Islam and "the idea that the EU is a Christian club." Expressing support for the diversity that Turkey could bring, Boel, however, said: "There is a lot of double-talk and standards in the EU towards Turkey."

According to Boel, Turkey was "presented with criteria that are not found in the Copenhagen criteria" and the issue of "Greek Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, is used as a pretext to delay membership, especially by France. "We should not have allowed membership to Cyprus before the issue was resolved," said Boel, who defined the inclusion of "Greek Cyprus" before a solution as a mistake. "It is not about Turkey, it is about the EU," said Boel, with regard to the lingering membership negotiations, while he says that the EU has been surprised about a Turkey that is growing fast and performing well economically. He believes that Turkey would contribute economically to the union.

Commenting on political trends in Turkey, Boel said that from the Danish point of view, there is "no ground for Islamism." Referring to public opinion polls in Turkey that show 80% of the people to be in favor of the removal of the headscarf ban, Boel says the headscarf has become a "hot issue" in Denmark as well. "We see it not as Islamization but as modernization," he added.

Boel directs a think tank in Denmark that is promoting enlargement in Europe as well as a directly elected President for the EU. He is also the co-author of the book "Turkey on its way through the EU's needle's eye."

[10] The walls of occupied Keryneia are reportedly in danger

The paper writes that "citizens" were furious about the digging works, noting that even music is not allowed to play loudly in the area in order for not harming the Castle of occupied Keryneia. They wondered who will give account in case the walls of this unique caste collapse.

The so-called director of the "antiquities and museums department", Emine Pilli told Kibris that it is extremely dangerous to work with a bulldozer around the castle and that they will investigate the issue of whether the provision of using bulldozer had been included in the project submitted to the "monuments' higher council"

(I/Ts.)

[11] Double bomb attack at AKP HQ and Turkish Justice Ministry building in Ankara

Police teams and ambulances were immediately transferred to the scenes after the blasts, with the police taking strict measures in the surrounding area. Police precautions were increased across the city.

"One person was injured in a double fragmentation bomb attack somewhere close to the car park of the ministry", Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin said in a televised interview. "The injured individual was the spouse of a ministry employee and was released after treatment", he said.

Interior Minister Muammer Guler said in a televised interview that some equipment of the thrower was found close to the scene and that police were searching the area.

The Minister also confirmed that the attack on the AKP building was probably realized by a flame thrower attack.

Dogan News Agency reported that the bomb hit a point between the eight and seventh floors, where the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is located.

Erdogan is currently in the Netherlands for an official visit, but he has been informed of the attacks by both Ergin and Guler.

Two have been detained in relation to the attack on the Ministry building, some media reports said, but Guler did not confirm the information.

Separate reports said a written statement carrying the name of the outlawed Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) was left at the scene in front of the ministry.

Police have been continuing operations against the group since it claimed responsibility for the Feb. 1 suicide attack targeting the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, which killed one person, as well as the attacker, Ecevit Sanl?.

The attack also comes at a time when the Turkish government is engaged in its process to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue.

[12] A former Deputy of CHP joined AKP

Firat joined the ranks of the AK Party at the group meeting of his party in the Turkish Parliament on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, Firat said that he thought for a long time before joining the AK Party. "I am ready to help the process of solution in Turkey," Firat said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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