Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-04-16

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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] Ozersay: The screening process is completed in the Cyprus talks

[02] Eroglu: I will not sign a bad agreement in order for some people from abroad to say bravo to me

[03] Nami to carry out contacts in Ankara

[04] Eroglu is speaking as UBP and not as Turkish Cypriot leader says Ozyigit

[05] The epitaph procession in occupied Famagusta will not be held outside the church as a result of reactions by nationalist organizations

[06] A so-called deputy of DP party has launched a campaign in favor of "no" in occupied Mesaoria area

[07] The DP-UG decides to continue its "coalition" with the CTP and its alliance with the UBP; More resignations from the party

[08] Illegal Near East University to hold the "9th National Allergy and Asthma Congress" with the participation of foreigners

[09] US House of Representatives Speaker assures Ankara about Armenian genocide bill

[10] Turkey's ruling AKP mulls Parliament panel to oversee intelligence agency; Kilicdaroglu: Gestapo-like governing aimed at with new intelligence bill

[11] "Erdogan threatens judges, prosecutors in party group speech"

[12] AKP to convene in May for presidency

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozersay: The screening process is completed in the Cyprus talks

In statements yesterday in the occupied area of Cyprus after a three-hour meeting with the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Andreas Mavroyiannis, Ozersay noted that the substantial negotiations will be held by negotiating the outline of the solution with the submission of concrete written proposals, counter proposals and bridging proposals. He said that they will not enter into details and that they will try to produce a comprehensive solution "with its outline".

Ozersay pointed out that the stage of the substantial negotiations will be more difficult than the previous one and that the sides would have to exhibit flexibility.

Ozersay said that the next meeting between the negotiators will be held on 6 May because of the visits which both sides will be holding abroad. He noted that in the meantime, the UN Secretary-General's special representative in Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim and other UN officials will be holding meetings between the sides in the form of shuttle diplomacy and in this manner it will be decided on which issue substantial negotiations will be conducted on 6 May.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu: I will not sign a bad agreement in order for some people from abroad to say bravo to me

Eroglu argued that he is not against the speeding up of the negotiations and alleged: "We are not the ones who have no will for a solution. We are not the ones who resort to delaying tactics. I think that it would be better if some friends of ours talked to the Greek Cypriot side for an agreement and not to us".

Eroglu went on and said that the existence of the Turkish Cypriots on the island had started in 1571 when the EVKAF foundation was also established. He argued: "No matter what anyone says, the historic realities could not be ignored. It is not possible to evaluate the Cyprus problem by ignoring the properties of the foundation, by excluding the processes which have been experienced in Cyprus".

Eroglu said that the properties of EVKAF have a significant place today in the Cyprus talks and his efforts to protect these properties is of vital importance for the legal and political struggle they are giving for the "continuation of the Turkish existence in Cyprus, for sovereignty and freedom".

Eroglu claimed: "We are aware of the fact that the Turkish Cypriot people expect from us a just agreement based on the existing realities in Cyprus. However, there could not be an agreement which will push aside our rights and justice, eliminate our people's freedom and sovereignty just for the Greek Cypriots to accept it and mess up our economic and social structure".

Eroglu said that he will express his views to the UN Secretary-General with whom he will meet within the next few days in New York.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami to carry out contacts in Ankara

According to a written statement issued by the so-called ministry, in the framework of his contacts in Ankara, Nami will meet with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Besir Atalay, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu and the EU Minister and Chief Negotiator, Mevlut Cavusoglu. Nami will also have a working meeting with officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

At the same time, Nami will meet with the Association of Diplomatic Correspondents and tomorrow at 12.00 will be guest in a live program to be broadcast by CNN Turk.

Nami is accompanied in his trip to Ankara by Erhan Ercin and Huseyin Ozel, "undersecretaries" at the "foreign ministry" and by Ipek Borman, political expert and Yasa Yesilada, "3rd secretary at the ministry".

Nami and his accompanying delegation are expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus tomorrow night.

(AK)

[04] Eroglu is speaking as UBP and not as Turkish Cypriot leader says Ozyigit

The Turkish Cypriot leader stated on Sunday that his aim is to conclude this negotiations process on the principles that have been put forward by the National Unity Party (UBP). Ozyigit criticised this and said that Eroglu's words were unacceptable and that it was Eroglu's duty to hear out not just UBP's but everyone's sensitivities. Noting that 65% of Turkish Cypriots said "yes" to the plan for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality in 2004, Ozyigit said: "When Eroglu took office he pledged to stay committed to the UN parameters and carry out the negotiations accordingly. However now he is saying that the solution will be according to the principles of UBP who said "no" to the Annan Plan. It is a disrespect to the people's will."

Ozyigit also reminded that the Joint Declaration which was signed in 11 February included single sovereignty, single citizenship and single international identity in addition to the aspects that were part of the Annan Plan. "You sign that declaration but on the other hand you say you support UBP's positions which are against a federal solution and single sovereignty. There is definitely a sincerity problem here", added Ozyigit. Ozyigit stated that Eroglu who has been supporting confederation with "having no solution is a solution" approach had exposed his real desire with those words.

"Eroglu's real responsibility is to take everyone's view into consideration and genuinely push for a solution. Otherwise that will be stealing from the Turkish Cypriots future" said Ozyigit.

[05] The epitaph procession in occupied Famagusta will not be held outside the church as a result of reactions by nationalist organizations

In a statement issued yesterday, Atai said that similar ceremonies are organized around the world and in Turkey's various places on Holy Friday giving the message of tolerance, peace and reconciliation. Therefore, he noted, they exhibited a positive approach to the Greek Cypriot demand and added that the Greek Cypriots filed an application to the self-styled foreign ministry of the regime through the UN.

Atai recalled that afterwards certain "known circles" within the Turkish Cypriot community reacted against this manipulating the issue and unnecessarily increased tension. He added that in order for not giving the opportunity for unpleasant incidents to happen, they suggested to the Greek Cypriots to stay within the limits of the church like they did in previous services at the same church. He noted that understanding has been shown to this suggestion and the demand for conducting a religious service has been approved by the "ministry".

Atai said that the service to be held in occupied Famagusta is included by the Vatican in the list of the churches where the Holy Friday Service will be conducted and many foreign ambassadors will participate in this service.

(I/Ts.)

[06] A so-called deputy of DP party has launched a campaign in favor of "no" in occupied Mesaoria area

Tore has visited on Sunday several villages of occupied Mesaoria area and distributed from door to door maps, in order for the "villagers" to say "no" to a possible referendum to take place on the Cyprus problem.

**Translator's note: The paper publishes a photo a map of Cyprus which writes: "Possible new plan" and shows highlighted the possible villages that might be returned to the Greek Cypriots. In the bottom of them it writes: "WE WILL SAY NO".

(AK)

[07] The DP-UG decides to continue its "coalition" with the CTP and its alliance with the UBP; More resignations from the party

In statements after the five and a half hour meeting which ended around midnight, the leader of the party, Serdar Denktas said that they have been experiencing a deadlock for some time now in the functioning of the "government" and added that in a meeting he had held yesterday morning with the self-styled prime minister, Ozkan Yorgancioglu they agreed on how these problems could be overcome. He added that this agreement should be adopted by the CTP-BG as well and argued that "it would not be correct to create a governmental crisis in case the actions are in harmony with the coalition protocol and the program of the government".

Referring to DP-UG's cooperation with the UBP in the "municipality elections", Denktas said that "serious problems have come up with the contribution of the media as well" and added that last night the party decided to undertake initiatives for the continuation of this cooperation.

Denktas announced also that 100 persons out of the 180 DP members, who had resigned from the party, have withdrawn their resignation.

However, Kibris reports that another 100 persons announced yesterday their resignation from the DP-UG increasing the number of those who abandoned the party to 300. The resignations took place in occupied Morfou area. In a press conference organized by the persons who resigned, the administration of the party was accused of being indifferent for occupied Morfou area and the members of DP there.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (16.04.14) reports that the decision taken by the DP-UG last night did not satisfy the UBP, which might abolish their alliance in the "municipality elections" and announce its own "candidates". The paper writes that the day before yesterday, the UBP had sent a message to the DP saying that it should choose "either the alliance or the coalition government".

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibrisli newspaper (16.04.14) reports that Bengu Sonya, former general secretary of the DP, stated yesterday that the members of the party do not accept the alliance with the UBP in the "municipality elections" and this is why the resignations from the party are continuing. He argued that the DP will suffer "big wounds" because of this alliance and accused Denktas, the current general secretary of the party, Hasan Tacoy and the "deputy" of the party, Zorlu Tore of trying to patch DP-UG to the UBP for the sake of their own interests by referring to "cooperation in the local elections" and "alliance" with the UBP.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Illegal Near East University to hold the "9th National Allergy and Asthma Congress" with the participation of foreigners

Over a 100 speakers from Turkey, Europe and the USA of America as well as 500 physicians will be participating in the congress. "The congress, aiming to present scientific content and promoting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is expected to be the largest congress organization ever held on the island", writes the paper.

[09] US House of Representatives speaker assures Ankara about Armenian genocide bill

"The issue about Armenians comes up from time to time, but don't worry, our Congress will not get involved in this issue. We don't write history, we are not historians," Boehner told reporters after meeting Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek on April 15.

Boehner said bilateral ties between the two countries should be enhanced, and that the U.S. was grateful for Turkey's support on issues in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, adding that further cooperation between the two countries could still be developed in trade.

For his part, Cicek said the Armenian issue was a "burden" in relations between Turkey and the U.S., adding that "the past should be left to historians," and parliaments should "build the present and the future."

Last week, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a bill recognizing that the mass killings of Ottoman Armenians amounted to genocide.

[10] Turkey's ruling AKP mulls Parliament panel to oversee intelligence agency; Kilicdaroglu: Gestapo-like governing aimed at with new intelligence bill

Parliament is set to begin deliberations about the bill expanding the powers of MIT with additional missions both inside and outside the country, formally turning it into an intelligence coordination body that will work directly under the prime minister. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is still working on the draft bill that is likely to be submitted to the legislature today, Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay told reporters yesterday.

In addition, the paper writes that commenting on the same issue, the leader of the Republican People's Party, CHP Kemal Kilicdaroglu addressing his party's parliamentary group stated that the Turkish government is seeking to build a Gestapo-like regime through the new bill because it will turn Turkey's national spy agency into an intelligence coordination body working directly under the prime minister.

"Turkey is rapidly turning into an intelligence state with the MIT [the National Intelligence Organization] Law," Kilicdaroglu said and added: "In Germany, they founded Gestapo. Was it legal? Yes, it was legal. But it didn't give intelligence to the state, but rather the party. The same incident is taking place here. A new Gestapo model is underway. All my citizens should be careful," he added.

[11] "Erdogan threatens judges, prosecutors in party group speech"

Speaking at his Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Erdogan reiterated his earlier allegation that there are centres, both foreign and domestic, that are trying to undermine his government. "There have been some very aggressive attacks seeking to wear out our government ahead of the elections, both from the outside and inside. At home, there was a campaign against peace, stability, democracy, the settlement process and the economy, while outside there was a planned and ill-meaning campaign against Turkey's image."

He said gangs inside the judiciary and the police force attacked trucks owned by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT). "Believe me, even an enemy wouldn't have stooped this low," he said. He claimed that the same "operation" against his government was under way. Referring to recent claims by US journalist Seymour Hersh that Turkey had masterminded a chemical attack in Syria, Erdogan said: "Completely false allegations stating that there is a link between the chemical attack in Syria and Turkey have been put forth. There was an attempt to create the perception that there is a link between Turkey and the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, as if Turkey supports terrorism."

[12] AKP to convene in May for presidency

Rumours that Gul and Erdogan have already agreed on the terms of a Putin-Medvedev swap were denied by presidential spokesman Ahmet Sever in a written statement yesterday. "So far, President and Prime Minister have absolutely not talked about presidential elections and issues concerning the post-election period. A meeting where these issues will be discussed will soon take place. As such, news reports and scenarios do not reflect the truth," he said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Election Board (YSK) announces its final calendar for the presidential elections. As Gul's mandate will terminate on Aug. 28, the YSK said the first round of polls would be conducted on Aug. 10 and in the event that no candidate scores a majority vote in the first round, a second round will be held on Aug. 24. The presidential elections will mark another first as Turkish people living abroad will also be able to vote to elect the next president. Polling stations will be available in more than 60 countries, while the first round of elections will take place between July 31 and Aug. 3 and the second round between Aug. 17 and 20 for Turks living abroad. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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