Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-08-26

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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] Interesting allegation by Erk: Turkey knows that it could impose absolutely no

[02] Mustafa Akinci: Varosha must not be abandoned to dying anymore

[03] Eroglu accuses the Republic of Cyprus for its armament policy

[04] Occupied Famagusta's shopkeepers say Varosha must be returned to its legal owners

[05] Turkey's Confederation Community calls Arab and Muslim states to recognize the occupation regime

[06] CTP-BG is expected to decide tonight whether it will continue its efforts to establish a "coalition government"

[07] Davutoglu discussed Syria issue with Kerry; "Turkey would join any international coalition against Syria"

[08] Erdogan on the developments in Syria and Egypt

[09] Several protests staged in Turkey to protest the massacre in Egypt

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Interesting allegation by Erk: Turkey knows that it could impose absolutely no agreement which the Turkish Cypriots do not want

Erk alleged the following: "Turkey directly and clearly knows that it could impose absolutely no agreement which the Turkish Cypriots do not want. The Turkish Cypriots have proved their political majority. And while doing this they were supported by Turkey, but they succeeded with their own will and experiences. The Turkish Cypriots are not a child any more".

Referring to the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Erk said that his "government" held contacts and lobbying activities with foreign representatives in Cyprus. He noted that during the short period of time which this temporary "government" is on duty, they have conveyed their views to the representatives of the USA, Germany, Russia and the UK. He added: "We have also met with the United Nations and told them that we are ready for the negotiations. We asked them to prepare the south [Translator's note: this is how Erk calls the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus] on the issue of the negotiations because they are the ones who are confused".

Erk said that the foreign representatives told them to show tolerance before the economic situation of the Republic of Cyprus. "However, when we were at the same situation we did not ask for tolerance or for understanding", he alleged.

Erk noted that the foreign representatives told them that President Anastasiades wants to solve the problem and added: "This may be true, but we are worried about his partner DIKO".

Erk argued that the wish of the Greek Cypriots to drag Turkey into the negotiations would increase the lack of confidence which the Turkish Cypriots feel.

Referring to the issue of the return of the occupied fenced Varosha to its legal owners, Erk claimed that turning Varosha into precondition for the negotiations without securing support from third countries "is tantamount to hoping for the impossible".

Referring to a statement made by Foreign Minister Kasoulides on the issue of the island's hydrocarbon resources, Erk alleged that "Kasoulides is playing with fire" when stating that in case Turkey interfered with the ships of the companies which carry out explorations, it would come face to face with the countries of these companies. Erk alleged that if the 1960 constitution is valid, the Turkish Cypriots have some rights according to this constitution.

Erk said that with sending representations from occupied Nicosia, Famagusta and Kerynia "municipalities" abroad and their becoming members to international organizations, they have overcome the obstacles caused from the fact that the "foreign ministry" of the breakaway regime is not recognized. Erk alleged that this kind of initiatives "secures positive contribution to the image of the country". He also said that "non-governmental" organizations also express the views of the Turkish Cypriots when they hold visits abroad. He described as important for these organizations to convey to foreigners the Turkish Cypriots' "way of life, democracy and will for a solution".

Erk said that they exert efforts to develop the "cities' diplomacy", and the "citizens' diplomacy" in parallel to the "political diplomacy".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Mustafa Akinci: Varosha must not be abandoned to dying anymore

Akinci went on and wondered: "Why we do not stop saying that Varosha is part of the comprehensive solution and evaluate it as a key which will open the door of the comprehensive solution?"

Akinci described as "striking" and "comprehensible" the results of the survey recently announced by the Initiative for Famagusta [See Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 23/08/2013, Item 1] and noted that "people can see what is right".

Recalling that when he was active in politics he was saying that "Varosha has become a place of snakes, centipedes and rats, but somehow it could not become a place of people", Akinci added: "let it become a place of people, let a solution be produced, and let a step be taken on the issue of Varosha".

He noted: "Varosha must not be abandoned to dying any more. 73% of the people of Famagusta want its opening. The Greek Cypriots would of course want this. It is not a wise thing to leave this issue hanging in the air for another 40 years. Varosha is at the same time a humanitarian issue. The Turkish Cypriots are experiencing the sorrow of living together with this. And think also the sorrow of those who have abandoned this place. Think also the business fields which will open here. Think the economic potential. There is an element that could be triggered from whichever point you look at it and we should go beyond the ordinary on this issue".

Akinci referred also to the efforts for establishing a "coalition government" in the occupied area of Cyprus and said that the "people" made their choice during the "elections", pointing out that they wanted a "coalition government" between the Republican Turkish Party- United Forces (CTP-BG) and the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG).

Akinci said that former "coalition governments" had ended because of "interventions from outside" and added that the "wrong relations" between Turkey and the occupied area of Cyprus have not changed. Akinci noted that some things changed in Turkey and the world since 2002, but nothing changed in the occupied part of Cyprus. He added that the "police" are still bound to the army, and the financial policy and head of the "central bank" in the occupied area of the island is still determined by Ankara, just like in the past. Referring to the reasons for which these relations have not changed Akinci said that the administrators in Turkey do not aim at a real democratization for themselves, and therefore they did not contribute to the real democratization in the occupied area of Cyprus. He added that neither the "governments" in the occupied area nor the "people" had such a target or demanded such a change.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Eroglu accuses the Republic of Cyprus for its armament policy

Recalling that the Turkish Cypriot side has made several calls to "south Cyprus" to proceed to the negotiation table in October, Eroglu added that he wanted to repeat this cal once more.

AK

[04] Occupied Famagusta's shopkeepers say Varosha must be returned to its legal owners

In statements to Havadis, shopkeepers complained that for a long time now they have been closing their shops without even making a single sale and added that they have been eagerly waiting for the opening of Varosha for 40 years.

The shopkeepers said "let Varosha be opened regardless of who will be controlling it" and expressed the view that this development will contribute to the improvement of not only their area and occupied Famagusta, but to the economy of the "country" as well. They said that the opening of Varosha and its return to its real owners would create satisfaction in both sides of the island and will constitute a big step in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkey's Confederation Community calls Arab and Muslim states to recognize the occupation regime

According to the paper, the chairman of the Turkish Confederation Community Nezaket Emine Atasoy has conveyed his request to the representative of Turkey to the Arab states, Ambassador Mohammed El Fatah Naciri.

Turkey's Confederation Community, in a written statement stressed the need for the Arab and Muslim countries to lobby with the aim for the "TRNC" to be recognized.

AK

[06] CTP-BG is expected to decide tonight whether it will continue its efforts to establish a "coalition government"

According to the paper, two views predominated during the meetings held at CTP-BG's local organizations in the five occupied districts, but the tendency is to hold discussions for establishing a "coalition government" with the UBP.

Huseyin Ozgurgun, candidate for UBP's leadership, told Havadis that his party is positive to discussions with the CTP for the establishment of a "government". He said that they have to be constructive in these discussions for a "coalition" taking into consideration the situation that exists in the "country".

On the other hand, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (26.08.13) reports that three different groups with opposite views exist within the CTP-BG. According to the paper, the one is the group of CTP-BG's chairman Ozkan Yorgancioglu supported by Ozdil Nami and Asim Akansoy, who believe that the party should try to continue discussions and reach a consensus with the Democratic Party ? National Forces (DP-UG).

Another group, which supports former Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and includes Ferdi Sabit Soyer and Omer Kalyoncu, says that the CTP-BG should discuss with the UBP and if they agree to establish a CTP-UBP "coalition". According to the paper, this group uses as argument that Turkey wants a CTP-UBP coalition, noting that "otherwise we will not be able to pay the wages".

Volkan alleges that the third group is headed by "the supporters of AKEL in Famagusta district" who say that the CTP-BG should not participate in the "coalition government" and together with the trade unions should carry out a strong opposition against the "government", Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu's policy in the Cyprus talks, the economic package, the privatizations and Turkey.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Davutoglu discussed Syria issue with Kerry; "Turkey would join any international coalition against Syria"

"We always prioritise acting together with the international community, with United Nations decisions. If such a decision doesn't emerge from the U.N. Security Council, other alternatives ... would come onto the agenda," Davutoglu told the Milliyet daily. "Currently 36-37 countries are discussing these alternatives. If a coalition is formed against Syria in this process, Turkey would take its place in this coalition", Davutoglu stated.

Meanwhile, Davutoglu talked on Saturday with his American counterpart John Kerry over Syria. Davutoglu held telephone calls twice with Kerry over Syrian incidents on Saturday.

Diplomatic sources said that the chemical weapon attack in Syrian capital Damascus on Wednesday was handled during the phone conversation, where the steps to be taken were also evaluated.

On Wednesday, the Syrian opposition coalition blamed the Syrian regime forces of carrying out a chemical weapon attack in suburbs of capital Damascus which it said killed at least 1,300 people.

But the Syrian regime strongly denied the claim and described reports and figures as "lies and groundless," saying reports were aimed at "distracting a visiting team of United Nations chemical weapons experts from their mission."

A UN investigation team is currently in Syria to investigate earlier an allegation of use of chemical weapons reported by the Syrian government at Khan al-Assal as well as two other allegations reported by UN Security Council member states.

Meanwhile, also according to Worldbulletin.com (24.08.13), Davutoglu held a press conference with his Qatari counterpart Khaled al-Attiyah in Istanbul during which they evaluated developments in Syria.

Upon a question about Russia's statement about Syrian regime's allowing UN team for chemical probe, Davutoglu said it was a very correct statement. "If the issue is chemical weapons, everybody has to be on the same line. This is a crime against humanity and deserves joint action."

Davutoglu stated that he shared these views with his Iranian counterpart as well, and added: "If the Syrian regime does not allow UN probe, because there is a suspicion that there are hidden facts, we expect Iran and Russia, and the international community to force the regime to allow the investigation."

Davutoglu added that if it was proved that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons, then the UN should take a decision within international law in unity.

[08] Erdogan on the developments in Syria and Egypt

Speaking at the assembly meeting of Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Development Foundation in Rize province, Turkish Premier Erdogan touched upon the recent developments in Egypt following the "military coup" on July 3 and the following civilian massacre by Egyptian security forces.

Addressing the countries and institutions, which did not call these as 'coup', Erdogan stressed that those who could not call the "coup" as it is, betrayed not the past, but the future."We harshly criticized the coup in Egypt both from a humanitarian perspective and based on our conscience and principles," Erdogan said, adding that "coups" could not have any legal, fair and reasonable justifications.

Erdogan also noted that the supporters of the "military coup" in Egypt are trying to justify it as a democratic action by the Egyptian army. "A coup is coup, there could not be a democratic coup," Erdogan stressed.

Erdogan also slammed those blaming Mohamed Morsi, the first democratically elected President of Egypt, for making mistakes that led to his ouster, to legitimize the "military coup" against his regime.

He called such sentences as "Morsi also made mistakes" a "direct support to the military coup".

Erdogan also mentioned the Gezi Park protests of June, underlining that the meaning of freedom must be well understood by all. "Freedom is what you can do until the boundaries of another person's freedoms, by respecting the public order," he said.

He also added that fight for freedom can only be with ideas not with weapons.

Also, according to Worldbulletin.com (25.08.13) Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan heavily criticized Syrian President Bashaar Al-Asaad stating: "These are the last moves being played by Bashaar. I believe that Allah will question Bashaar and take revenge of all innocent children which he has killed, because Allah is the best of Judges".

Erdogan also criticized the US administration stating the following: ''It was not personable for America to react to our statements; we pointed to Israel as the main figure behind the military coup in Egypt. Why does the US react?"

Below are some of the main points of the PM Erdogan's speech which took place in the province of Rize:

"Some people are telling us that Turkey has become 'lonely' in the Middle East. They should know that we are not 'lonely'. If they have tanks, military planes and artillery that they use to kill innocent kids, we firstly have Allah and our people by our side.

From 1071 until today we have been ambassadors of peace. We have encouraged peace, protected the rights of the innocent and encouraged brotherhood and friendship. We have always been on the side of the oppressed and will continue to do so!

No one can order us what to do! Everyone should keep in mind that Turkey will continue to be on the side of the oppressed and do whatever should be done, regardless of the criticism at home and abroad.

It should also never be forgotten that we will always be with the people of Cairo, of Quds, of Damascus. Now I am asking you who has been questioning 'why are we so concerned about others?'. Do not forget! We have a responsibility that has come with the history that we share with our neighbours. In our battle in Canakkale did we ask why our brothers from Cairo, from Quds, from Damascus were fighting on our side, in our lines? Without any doubt they fought with the enemy in our lines and defended our land with us. By not being concerned with the massacres taking place around us, we will be turning our backs to our grandfathers and our people who have died for this cause and civilization.

When we stated that the main figure behind the military coup in Egypt was Israel we suddenly got a negative reaction from the United States. To be honest I was disappointed; what we said was not addressed to the US but to Israel. So what is happening to America? If someone has to be concerned, it should be Israel. It was disappointing to see a NATO member reacting in such a manner to another member of NATO.

Can you see the double standards currently taking place? Have you now learned who stick with democracy and who act against it?", Erdogan said.

[09] Several protests staged in Turkey to protest the massacre in Egypt

Memur-Sen, Hak-Is, Mazlum-Der and Anadolu Youths Association, besides several other non- governmental organizations joined the meeting.

Holding banners with the Rabaa sign, citizens shouted the slogans "Muslims cannot remain silent in front of tyranny" and "Muslims, do not sleep but protect your brother."

On the other hand, the massacre in Egypt and the chemical weapon attack in Syrian capital Damascus were protested during Friday night in 15 several cities of Turkey.

Under the presidency of Human and Civilization Movement in Turkey's Istanbul, several representatives of non-governmental organizations and citizens staged protests to attract attention to the ongoing incidents in both Egypt and Syria.

Banners were hanged, on which the words of Sayyid Qutb, Sheikh Ahmad Yasin, Turkish scholar Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Aliya Izzetbegovic and Malcolm X were written on.

"If brotherhood is a pay, it's time to support Egypt" and "Sarachane is sister square of Adawiyya," the banners said in Turkish, Arabic and English. Two big Rabaa signs were also displayed on the platform.

Protests for the same reason were also staged in Turkey's Van, Antalya, Erzurum, Konya, Kocaeli, Sivas, Erzincan, Bolu, Karabuk, Samsun, Sakarya, Nevsehir, Isparta and Batman cities.

Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected President, was ousted by the army under an army roadmap on July 3. Thousands of his supporters have since taken to the streets to demand his return to power.

[10] Taraf daily to take M0
T's wiretapping to the Constitutional Court

After obtaining court orders from the 11th and 14th 0
stanbul High Criminal Courts, M0
T reportedly wiretapped, between 2008 and 2009, the phones of Ahmet Altan and Yasemin Congar, former Taraf editor-in-chief and deputy editor-in-chief, and those of current Taraf columnists Amberin Zaman and Mehmet Baransu and former columnist Markar Esayan. Mehmet Altan, Ahmet Altan's brother and a professor of economics, was also targeted for M0
T wiretapping in the same period, according to the daily.

After it was reported in February 2012 that the intelligence agency had wiretapped the journalists' phones, Taraf's lawyers filed a criminal complaint with the 0
stanbul Public Prosecutor's Office. In Turkey intelligence officials can only be tried with the permission of the Prime Minister; as Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not give it, the prosecutor's office decided not to prosecute.

The Bak1
rkoy 6th High Criminal Court upheld the decision not to prosecute, opening the door for the daily to take its complaint to the Constitutional Court.

Last February, Taraf published copies of court orders in which journalists wiretapped by MIT were only mentioned by codenames in foreign languages, mostly in Arabic. The mobile phone numbers of Taraf journalists were also listed in the court order, which enabled the daily to identify which alias belonged to which journalist.

The aim of the "technical monitoring," according to the 11th and 14th 0
stanbul High Criminal Courts' orders, was to collect information about individuals suspected of illegal activity ahead of possible acts of terrorism. The journalists in question saw M0
T's wiretaps as a scandal and said when the news broke, that they expected a satisfactory statement from M0
T and the Prime Ministry.

In the past few months, M0
T has come under criticism for various alleged activities. In a report that appeared in mid-June, Taraf accused the agency of collecting -- illegally and in cooperation with government institutions -- information on people and likened the agency to an Orwellian Big Brother.

Taraf claimed that M0
T, about a year ago, signed agreements with Turkish Airlines (THY) and the Ministry of Education, among other public institutions, enabling the intelligence agency to collect information about anyone receiving services from those institutions. M0
T denied the claim.

According to the report, M0
T has access to the personal information of THY customers, including email addresses, photographs and information about the private lives of their relatives, as well as information about students who attend Ministry of Education schools, and their parents.

Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek recently acknowledged that M0
T has access to a wide array of personal information on the Internet. "We now know who is flying where, have information about their children, people's bank transactions and apartment fees. We will make use of this information when necessary," Simsek said on a television program.

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