Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-07-24

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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] The Turkish so-called embassy in the occupied part of Nicosia publishes the regime's "Economic Situation Report" for 2013

[02] Akca says that 90 thousand Turkish voters exist in the occupied part of Cyprus

[03] Ozersay: The issue of guarantees should be discussed during a meeting with the guarantor states

[04] Elcil accuses Eroglu of representing Ankara's interests at the negotiating table and calls on him to resign

[05] Talat evaluates the Cyprus problem

[06] Afrika reports that Atalay will pay an illegal visit to the breakaway regime tomorrow to gather votes for Erdogan

[07] Self-styled natural resources minister's visit to France, for inspecting a stone quarry rehabilitation company created reaction

[08] German Ambassador to Cyprus paid a farewell visit to Eroglu

[09] AKP: The water project will be completed in September

[10] Hamas rejects Gaza truce despite Turkey's fresh bid

[11] PACE delegation express concern about the fairness in the Presidential election in Turkey

[12] Court says no need for Erdogan to resign

[13] The Felicity Party in Turkey will not support any of the candidates

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish so-called embassy in the occupied part of Nicosia publishes the regime's "Economic Situation Report" for 2013

Akca said that looking for additional cash from Turkey instead of creating new resources in the occupied area of Cyprus has pushed the relations of the regime with Turkey into an unhealthy basis. He noted that the programs, which have adopted during the past years in the economic relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime, started becoming "an institution". He argued that thanks to the programs prepared every three years, the sides know and see their responsibilities better.

Akca said that during 2013, the first year of the implementation of the current program, three "governments" changed in the occupied area of Cyprus and important progress has been achieved on the issue of the reforms. He noted that no concessions were given in the financial discipline and the private sector continued to develop. Especially the sectors of tourism and education, he added, have overtaken the burden of the economy and significantly contributed in the positive growth of the economy, in spite of the important shrinking of agriculture.

According to the report, the GDP in current prices increased to seven million 882 thousand Turkish liras (TL) in 2013 from five million 376 thousand TL in 2009 or to four million 107 thousand dollars from three million 477 thousand dollars. The real growth had been -5% in 2009 and increased to +2% in 2013. Inflation, however, increased to 10.2% in 2013 from 5.7% in 2009. The budget deficit, which had been 622 million TL in 2009, decreased to 411 million TL in 2013.

The report writes also that the population in the occupied area of Cyprus, which had been 283 thousand and 736 persons in 2009, increased to 286 thousand and 257 persons in 2013. The unemployment rate had been 12.4% in 2009 (101 thousand and 181 persons) and decreased to 9.7% (or 91 thousand 550 persons) in 2013.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akca says that 90 thousand Turkish voters exist in the occupied part of Cyprus

Speaking at a press conference, Akca noted that during the past elections they had established ballot boxes at the customs gates, but this has been proved to be difficult for the voters and the turnout was low. Akca said now they have decided to place ballot boxes in countries where adequate number of voters exists.

Akca added that, according to the latest register study, around 90 thousand Turkish voters exist in the occupied area of Cyprus. He noted that a big part of these voters are students, another part are those who work in the occupied area having "work permit" or possess "double citizenship", that is, they also have the "citizenship" of the breakaway regime.

Furthermore, Akca gave information to the voters on how they could exercise their right to vote.

Meanwhile, commenting on Akca's statements, Turkish Cypriot Afrika newspaper (24.07.14) wonders whether these 90 thousand persons have the right to vote in the "elections" held in the occupied area of Cyprus as well. Under the title "They will first elect the President in Turkey and afterwards our president", the paper notes that if this number is valid for the Turkish Cypriot so-called elections as well, this means that the Turkish settlers are more than the Turkish Cypriots. "Anyway, no presentable classification was ever made on this issue", points out Afrika noting that during the last "elections" around 175 thousand persons had the right to "vote".

Noting that according to estimations by the Greek Cypriots, the number of the Turkish Cypriots is 80 thousand persons, the paper concludes as following: "Our community has from time immemorial been referred to as being 120 thousands. It seems that the situation has not changed too much. However, now it is definite that we are not even 120 thousands. Those having double citizenship will elect the President of the Republic of Turkey. Next year they will elect our president. Wonderful!"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozersay: The issue of guarantees should be discussed during a meeting with the guarantor states

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ozersay said that both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot negotiating teams did whatever it was necessary and that the issue of guarantees would be discussed during a meeting where the guarantor states will also be present. According to Ozersay, the UN Security Council is in no position to make decisions therefore the guarantors and the Cypriot leaders should meet and negotiate the issue of guarantees.

During the meeting, which lasted around 5 hours, the Turkish Cypriot side submitted a proposal on economy, land arrangement and EU affairs while the Greek Cypriot side submitted the written version of their proposals on security and guarantees.

Ozersay said that economists from both sides were also present during the meeting where the two negotiators discussed the "land" issues, however, they didn't touch "map and numbers" as agreed during their earlier meetings.

He also noted that the next phase of the negotiations will be decided by the leaders. "The evaluation of the current phase that is almost finalized will be done by the two leaders. After tomorrow's meeting the leaders will have some political decisions to make in order to determine the nature of the next phase", said Ozersay.

Speaking upon a question regarding the issue of guarantees, Ozersay said that "looking at all the violence in some parts of the world and considering the state of international relations anyone can see that the UN Security Council is no longer an effective decision making organ. If a decision on guarantee systems is left to the UN Security Council, this will not mean anything for the Turkish Cypriots". Ozersay added that guarantees should be discussed during a meeting with the guarantors and that this would not mean negotiating all the headings with the guarantors.

[04] Elcil accuses Eroglu of representing Ankara's interests at the negotiating table and calls on him to resign

He argued: "The statements made by the officials from Turkey and their collaborators in North Cyprus within the framework of 20 July celebrations, have once more shown that the real intention is not the solution and the reunification of our island. Especially the continuous repetition of the emphasis on two peoples, two states reaffirmed that the intention of dividing our island continues. The statement made by Mr Eroglu to BBC's Turkish Service and published in our press is a complete exemplary document. Mr Eroglu continues to reject the rights gained by the Turkish Cypriots internationally and says that he is against the use of these rights. With the contradictory statements he made, he even rejects the existing citizenship rights of the Turkish Cypriots in the Republic of Cyprus and he is even able to say that the Turkish Cypriots are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus?"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Talat evaluates the Cyprus problem

On the Cyprus problem, Talat alleged that the "15th of July coup d' etat", as well as the "20th of July peace operation", as he called the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, have brought the Cyprus problem in a new phase, that is, as he said, the consensus for looking to an agreement on the basis of a federation.

Stating that the negotiations on the Cyprus problem all these years yielded no result, Talat reiterated his view that if the Turkish Cypriot side does the necessary for the solution, there will be a progress and added that the Turkish Cypriot side's leadership on the solution has been reduced. "This match will not end in a draw", and this status quo will not be permanent and thus it must change", Talat said.

Recalling the five-step proposal submitted by the Turkish Cypriot side to the Greek Cypriot side and a three-step proposal which has also been submitted before, Talat underlined that "what is more essential, is the existence of political will".

Stating that it would be wrong to proceed to a referendum since no convergences were reached, Talat said that it is important for the sides to reach to an agreement first and then go to a referendum.

Referring to the issue of the maps, Talat supported that the discussion on maps would cause bigger discomfort than the property issue, adding that the Greek Cypriot side utilizes this.

(AK)

[06] Afrika reports that Atalay will pay an illegal visit to the breakaway regime tomorrow to gather votes for Erdogan

The paper argues that the aim of Atalay's visit is to gather votes for the forthcoming presidential elections in Turkey, adding that Atalay is said to launch a campaign in the breakaway regime in favour of the Turkish Prime Minister and candidate for the presidential elections, Tayyip Erdogan.

[07] Self-styled natural resources minister's visit to France, for inspecting a stone quarry rehabilitation company created reaction

The paper writes that Bakirci is visiting Marseille, heading a delegation consisting of his "ministry's officials", the director of "geology and mine department" Mustafa Avkaravli and representatives of specialized companies from Turkey and the breakaway regime. The visit is not considered to be an "official" one and is kept under secrecy regarding its aims.

According to a statement made by Bakirci's spokesman, the self-styled minister was invited by a French businessman and is visiting France in order to do examination on the issue of a stone quarry rehabilitation. The name of the French company is not mentioned. Citing information, the paper writes that the company, who covers the expenses of Bakirci and his delegation visit, is said to be the one that is responsible for the lime stone quarry in occupied Gastria village.

[08] German Ambassador to Cyprus paid a farewell visit to Eroglu

The meeting took place behind closed doors.

[09] AKP: The water project will be completed in September

The AKP's Ihsan Sener, who is in charge of promotion and media affairs, stated that the party expected the pipeline project to be completed and inaugurated in September, in his written statement on July 23.

The project, dubbed "The Century's Project," intends to provide water from the Anamur Alakopru Dam to northern Cyprus, according to a written statement by Sener released on July 23.

The project was discussed during President Abdullah Gul's illegal visit to the occupied part of Nicosia on July 20, during which he attended a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of Turkey's military invasion on the island in 1974.

During the ceremony, Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu said they expected to see the completion of "The Century's Project" soon.

[10] Hamas rejects Gaza truce despite Turkey's fresh bid

In a visit to Ankara last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to convince Hamas' Khaled Mashaal to accept an immediate cease-fire deal with Israel, Palestinian Ambassador to Turkey Nabil Maarouf told the paper on July 23. Maarouf added that Erdogan discussed the matter with Mashaal by phone on the same night.

A Turkish official told the Daily News that Turkey was "continuing efforts within the framework set by Abbas."

Asked if Mashaal failed to agree to the deal despite Erdogan's call, Maarouf said: "I can't say that they could not convince him, but what I can say is that Turkish leaders believe that we have to stop the killing of the Palestinians and then negotiate the terms."

Following Erdogan's phone call and the special envoy's visit to Mashaal, Abbas visited Doha over the weekend and met Qatari officials and the Hamas leader, but failed to reach a final decision.

"Mashaal made a statement [to the effect] that we understand what President Abbas is doing and we appreciate it, but we did not give him an immediate answer. This means that they are studying the proposal about a cease-fire," he added.

The ambassador also denied that Turkey "sabotaged" the cease-fire initiatives, as claimed by Israel.

"I am sure the Israelis don't want Turkey to be in the picture. They don't mind if the Qataris interfere with the Egyptians, but they prefer not to see the Turks in the process," Maarouf said.

"Before the Mavi Marmara incident, Turkey had good relations with Israel. Turkey was always talking about being a facilitator, a meditator. Turkey tried many times. It's good for us if we have a brotherly country that exerts pressure on Israel, but the facts are that Israel will never fall under any pressure apart from the U.S. because they are sure the U.S. is 100% or more with them," he added.

Hours after Maarouf's statement, Hamas rejected a ceasefire with Israel unless the blockade on the Gaza Strip is lifted. "We reject today... and will reject in the future" a ceasefire before negotiations on Hamas' demands, which include lifting years of blockade against the Palestinian enclave, Hamas chief Meshaal told reporters in Doha late July 23.

[11] PACE delegation express concern about the fairness in the Presidential election in Turkey

The six-member PACE delegation was in Ankara from July 21-22 for a visit ahead of the Presidential election on August 10.

Five members of the PACE delegation, representing each of the political groups within PACE, along with a rapporteur of the assembly's monitoring committee, held talks in the capital at the beginning of the week with journalists, NGOs and representatives of the three Presidential candidates, among other parties, to assess the electoral framework and campaign.

During its visit the delegation also met with Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, joint Presidential candidate of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Yalcin Akdogan, chief advisor to the Prime Minister, and Nazmi Gur, representative of Selahattin Demirtas, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), about the election process. The delegation also had talks with the chairmen of the Supreme Election Board (YSK) and the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK).

The delegation released a statement on Thursday on the PACE website, saying: "[The delegation] reiterates its concerns about the shortcomings in the regulations concerning campaign expenditure, misuse of administrative resources by one candidate and unbalanced media coverage." Although welcoming a step taken to regulate funding of the election campaign, including limitations on individual donations, the delegation said in its statement that "it would be necessary to reinforce the legislation by introducing a ceiling for campaign expenditures to enable proper monitoring of the spending of the funds, and to ensure the same opportunities for all candidates."

The delegation also drew attention to the weaknesses of the current monitoring mechanism of the election campaign accounts of presidential candidates, saying: "The legislation should be fine-tuned to clarify the role of political parties, the issue of in-kind contributions and personal resources of candidates."

The fairness of the presidential election is overshadowed by the fact that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is running for President as the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), has been conducting his campaign without resigning from office.

Erdogan's candidacy is one of the issues dealt with in the PACE delegation's statement. Although the statement said Erdogan was not required by law to resign, the delegation expressed concern, saying the administrative means available to Erdogan as Prime Minister would give him disproportionate access to resources and media coverage, in the absence of strict regulations. Use of administrative resources by candidates is normally forbidden in law.

"The issue of misuse of administrative resources was raised on several occasions during the meetings. The delegation therefore called upon the authorities to adopt clearer and stricter regulations related to the activities carried out by incumbent politicians standing in Presidential elections," the statement said.

Opposition parties have much criticized the presidential candidate of the ruling party for enjoying more airtime than the other candidates on the state-owned Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT).

Unbalanced media coverage in favour of Erdogan during the election campaign, for which he has also been much criticized by the opposition, is another point the PACE delegation drew attention to, as a matter that needs to be actively taken care of.

Noting that all broadcasters, including the TRT, are required to ensure impartial and equal media coverage of the campaign, PACE's statement continued: "The delegation regretted the lack of a timely response by state institutions to redress unbalanced media coverage during the campaign, which occurred despite the existing legal provisions. The delegation calls upon all stakeholders, in particular the RTUK and the YSK, to be more efficient in applying the law and using the measures foreseen in the legislation, and to ensure equal airtime to all candidates."

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The PACE delegation further revealed that it had concerns about the fairness of elections in Turkey, saying: "The introduction of a clear legal provision accrediting domestic and international observers during future elections would further increase the transparency of and confidence in the election process as a whole. Observers should be able to freely observe all steps of the electoral process (voting, counting, drafting and tabulation of the votes)."

A full delegation of 30 PACE observers will return to Turkey to observe the August 10 election.

[12] Court says no need for Erdogan to resign

The Republican People's Party and the Liberal Democratic Party filed independent claims that Erdogan should step down as Prime Minister if he is to run for President.

The court ruled on Wednesday that there was a "lack of jurisdiction over the person" in the claims, allowing Erdogan to stay in office for the duration of the presidential campaign.

[13] The Felicity Party in Turkey will not support any of the candidates

He said: "This decision was taken after consultations within party members and all party organizations. If the President is not elected in the first round, we will reconsider our decision for the second round". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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