Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 13-09-18

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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] A project for the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery is signed

[02] Denktas: we should not care as to whether the Greek Cypriots want to share anything with us

[03] British MP Christopher Mark Field carries out contacts in the occupied Cyprus

[04] Trabzonspor football team is coming to Cyprus today

[05] European IACBE conference at "GAU"

[06] The occupation regime is candidate to host "EERA 2017 conference"

[07] Secondary schools open in the occupied part of Cyprus

[08] Turkey expects no retaliation after shooting Syrian helicopter

[09] Turkey and Pakistan signed 13 protocols

[10] Finnish MFA's visit to Ankara; Cyprus problem is also in the agenda

[11] Joint committee to work on Turkey-US trade

[12] International press body concerned over anti-press rhetoric of Turkish authorities

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] A project for the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery is signed

In statements after signing the protocol, Tiziana Zennaro, representative of UNDP-PFF said that they will try to cooperate for protecting Cyprus' cultural heritage.

On his part, the director of EVKAF, Ibrahim Benter thanked everyone who contributed in this project and noted that they are proud of being a part of the restoration of Apostolos Andreas Monastery, which he described as a part of Cyprus' culture. He argued that they are in favour of the continuation of such projects.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Denktas: we should not care as to whether the Greek Cypriots want to share anything with us

In statements in Kutahya, which he visits upon an invitation by the Anatolia Development and Cooperation Association (AKIDER), Denktas said that the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem will resume in October and argued that they discuss this problem for half a century without being able to reach a solution. Denktas claimed: "They say that this time we will reach. We shall see. We shall see all together if the Greek Cypriot side will share anything with us this time. We should not be at the position of waiting for others to get into the mood. We should not care too much as to whether the Greek Cypriots want to share with us?"

Denktas referred to the so-called embargoes allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots and claimed:

"They implement embargo on us. Will we not be able to stand on our own feet? There is only one way. Let us understand this at last. We have been saying for years 'for goodness sake let us not offend the UN, and the EU should not say anything against us', and we have been continuing the negotiations with the Greek Cypriots, who do not accept an agreement with us. On the other hand, since 1996 we have not been able to establish economic integration with Turkey. We managed to die together in order to be able to turn these lands into our homeland, but we did not manage to keep standing on its own feet the state established on these lands?"

Denktas alleged that the "TRNC" is the second Turkish state in the world after Turkey and added that the relations between the Turkic states under the leadership of Turkey will revive the Turkish Cypriots from cultural, economic and political point of view.

(I/Ts.)

[03] British MP Christopher Mark Field carries out contacts in the occupied Cyprus

Mark Field later came together with self-styled minister of foreign affairs Ozdil Nami.

No statement was issued before or after the meetings.

[04] Trabzonspor football team is coming to Cyprus today

In a statement issued by Trabzonspor on its official webpage, the team's fans are warned that they are not allowed to carry with them to the stadium and open a flag of the "TRNC" or any banner containing political messages. The club notes that UEFA will impose "important sanctions' on them, if such incidents happen and points out that legal action will be taken against persons who will do such things.

The paper writes that the team is expected to fly to Cyprus through the island of Rhodes and arrive in Larnaka after a trip of 3.5-4 hours. This is the third time that Trabzonspor plays with a Cypriot team, as it had faced Anorthosis Famagusta FC and Apoel Nicosia FC in the past.

(I/Ts.)

[05] European IACBE conference at "GAU"

According to the paper, the conference will host hundreds of academicians.

[06] The occupation regime is candidate to host "EERA 2017 conference"

Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu - chairman of "KEB-DER" and academic staff of the illegal Near East University ("YDU") ? in a written statement, said that the occupation regime is also a candidate to host the conference 2017 of EERA in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

[07] Secondary schools open in the occupied part of Cyprus

[08] Turkey expects no retaliation after shooting Syrian helicopter

Turkey is ready for any possibility, Davutoglu replied when asked whether they expected any retaliation from Syria.

"Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces are both instructed and prepared in such a way as to be capable of responding in an instant to all kinds of violations against the security of our country and borders. In that regard, in order to protect our security and national interests, we are prepared for all kinds of developments that may take place from now on. However, we are not expecting any retaliation," Davutoglu added.

The Turkish minister was reminded of the Syrian army's statement in which it blamed the Turkish side for showing "a hasty reaction."

"A comment such as 'hastiness' is actually an acknowledgement of the crime," Davutoglu said, reiterating that such a statement itself exposed that the Syrian side committed a border violation.

Moreover, HDN (online, 17.09.13) under the title "Army downed Syrian helicopter 'according to rules of engagement," reported that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, commenting the military's downing of a Syrian helicopter on Monday during a joint press conference in Ankara with visiting Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, said that the government has provided the Turkish army with the authority to act according to the rules of engagement in the event of any border violation.

"We had stated before that the rules of engagement would be implemented. There was a border violation of up to two kilometres," Erdogan said, emphasizing that the Syrian pilots had not changed the helicopter's course despite repeated warnings.

"When the warnings were not heeded, the Turkish Armed Forces executed the rules of engagement," he said.

[09] Turkey and Pakistan signed 13 protocols

Thirteen protocols have been signed between the two countries in various fields including education, environment, transportation, security, municipality services, cultural projects, trade, finance, and energy.

Stating that the protocols will improve relations between two countries, Erdogan pointed to the growing strategically partnership between the countries.

"The visit is a clear indicator of the strategically relation between two countries," he noted, reminding that Sharif has chosen Turkey as the second official destination for his foreign visit since he formed the government in June.

Erdogan also stated the trading volume between two countries was not enough and said the aim was to reach 2 billion dollars.

Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, stressed that Turkey and Pakistan would be leaders to promote peace and stability in the region as being two strong democracies.

Turkish Premier plans a visit Pakistan in the first half of November, which he said would contribute to strengthening the relations.

Earlier today, "Republic Order" was received by Nawaz Sharif from Turkish President Abdullah Gul in recognition of close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey.

[10] Finnish MFA's visit to Ankara; Cyprus problem is also in the agenda

The two Foreign Ministers are going to discuss bilateral relations between Turkey and Finland, Turkey's EU membership process, the current economic crisis in Europe, and the Cyprus problem, exchanging ideas about current regional and international issues.

Finnish Foreign Minister is also expected to be received by President Abdullah Gul, Speaker of Parliament Cemil Cicek and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 18.09.13), under the title "Free media, right to assembly key values for EU, says Finland's FM", published, inter alia, the following written interview of Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja with Serkan Demirtas:

"Q: It's been more than 50 years since Turkey began talks with the EU for joining the club. What is Finland's view regarding Turkey's accession process?

A: Finland is and has always been firmly committed to Turkish EU membership. Turkey's future is in Europe, and Finland looks forward to further progress with its accession negotiations and opening of new negotiating chapters. Turkey plays a crucial role in the region and globally, and Turkey's accession would contribute to European stability and prosperity as a whole. We see the talks as a win-win process.

The perspective of EU membership is a powerful stimulus for positive reform and transformation process in Turkey and can inspire also other countries in the neighbourhood. At the same time, Turkey can play a constructive role in foreign policy and we see a lot of potential for developing cooperation and coordination between the Union and Turkey in this field.

Turkey has significant economic potential. Europe is facing huge economic challenges and trade with Turkey offers opportunities for businesses and investments on both sides. It is noteworthy that the EU is still the main source of investments to Turkey.

I am hopeful as regards the recent efforts of the European Commission and Turkey to agree on the path toward visa liberalization, linked to broader cooperation on migration. Promoting people-to-people contacts is one of the priorities of our foreign policy. It is crucial that businessmen, students, tourists and other Turkish citizens can move freely in Europe. We very much hope that the EU and Turkey can take concrete steps forward also in this area.

Q: Turkish officials blame the EU countries for implementing double-standards when it comes to Turkish accession process, citing unilateral blockage on the opening of chapters by some member countries. What is Finland's point of view with regard to the Cyprus government's attempts to hijack Turkey's accession process?

A: It is true that not all EU countries have always treated Turkey fairly. This said, the Cyprus question is fundamental. As we see it, it would be in the interest of all parties to solve the Cyprus problem before the status quo becomes permanent.

Finland has a historical interest in the solution process. My father, Sakari Tuomioja, served as a U.N. mediator for Cyprus in 1963. During the Finnish presidency in the EU in 2006, we worked hard on the solution. It is our sincere hope that now time would be ripe for a new reunification effort. In the current situation, it is substantial that all involved parties show political will and readiness to compromise.

Perhaps the natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean could be utilized as a positive incentive to the process ? just as coal served to unify European countries when the European Coal and Steel Community was founded?

Q: There are growing concerns on the state of freedom of expression in Turkey as dozens of journalists have been either fired or prosecuted for their critical pieces. How does Finland evaluate these concerns?

A: The freedom of expression as well as the right to assembly are defined liberties by the European Convention on Human Rights. Turkey, as a candidate country for EU accession, needs to aspire to the highest democratic standards and practices which include the freedom of all media. These questions are always a key part of accession discussions with the candidate countries.

Q: The Turkish government was fiercely criticized because of the security forces' use of disproportionate force on activists in June during the Gezi Park demonstrations. Do the scenes broadcast by the media fit a country aspiring to join the EU?

A: As I have stated before, democracy requires dialogue and debate to reach out to all segments of society. Regarding recent protests, this is an important moment for Turkey. We expect the cases of disproportionate use of force as well as violence to be investigated within the Turkish law in a transparent way and those responsible brought to account. Turkey's commitment to the European values is of vital importance for the accession process. Enhancing respect for fundamental rights is a continuous process not only in Turkey. More and more emphasis is put on reinforcing democratic accountability in the EU-countries, as well. Recently, Turkey has made some very important steps forward. I highly appreciate the Turkish Government's efforts to build up new trust through the Kurdish peace process. This process is a big challenge and historical opportunity. The new constitution of Turkey is expected to be the next crucial reform when prepared in a conciliatory way. (?)"

[11] Joint committee to work on Turkey-US trade

Caglayan stated yesterday that they had held the first meeting for the committee with the U.S. Minister of Trade, Penny Pritzker, and they had officially agreed to establish it. "Today is a historical day for Turkey-U.S. trade," he said, noting that infrastructure works for a free trade deal between the two countries would begin and assessment and impact analysis would be formed.

He recalled that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the U.S. President Barack Obama touched upon the creation of the business committee during his visit to the U.S. in May.

Caglayan stated that during his meeting with Pritzker, he said that the U.S. trade measures against Turkish products, three anti-dumping and two compensatory taxes, were the main reasons for the trade gap between the two countries.

The Minister said the technical teams' work would accelerate the process of the Turkey-U.S. free trade deal, which was a formula for avoiding Turkey being excluded from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) signed between the European Union and the U.S. that began negotiations in July.

A transatlantic free deal trade currently being negotiated between the EU and the United States could cause the Turkish economy to lose $20 billion if Turkey is left out of a final agreement, an analysis prepared by the Brookings Institute and the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) showed.

Turkey has exported around $5.6 billion worth of goods to the U.S. while importing $14 billion in 2012 over the last two years, according to official figures.

[12] International press body concerned over anti-press rhetoric of Turkish authorities

The heated anti-press rhetoric coming from the top echelons of power causes media owners to clear their newsrooms of independent voices, read the CPJ letter, addressed to Erdogan and sent on Sept. 17.

The letter also highlighted the ongoing criminal prosecutions of journalists in retaliation for their work, and slammed the government's promoting of self-censorship.

The media environment in Turkey is "extremely difficult," with new concerns appearing throughout last year, the letter stated, adding that the CPJ was particularly concerned about the continued jailing of journalists and the linkage of reporting that challenges government policies with terrorism.

The letter also slams the government's threats to restrict social media.

The CPJ asks for the immediate release of all Turkish journalists held in pre-trial detention, and calls on the government to cease using journalism as evidence of criminal activity.

"Stop the pressure being applied to the Turkish media to tone down their coverage or get rid of critics," the letter read, asking the government to reform all "laws routinely used against the media."

Five of the 11 journalists detained in January on charges of participating to a banned terrorist organization remain in prison today, while several of those detained have reported being beaten in police custody, the CPJ letter claimed, based on its own research into the matter. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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