Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-01-21

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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] Erdogan's message on energy issue; "Turkey will continue until the end to defend the rights of the TRNC"

[02] Nami: By keeping alive our political will, we show to the world that we are sincere for a solution

[03] Olgun commented on the Direct Trade Regulation

[04] Ertug: The Turkish Cypriots have the right to trade directly with the EU countries

[05] Statements by Akinci and Ozersay on the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha

[06] Cicek protested against his Iraqi counterpart for the occupation regime's title in the OIC

[07] A "parliamentary delegation" to carry out contacts in Brussels next week on the Direct Trade Regulation and the EP's draft report on Turkey

[08] Siber evaluates to illegal Bayrak the Cyprus problem and the halloumi/hellim issue

[09] The occupation regime attends a tourism fair in Stuttgart

[10] Two more Greek Cypriot football players were transferred to a Turkish Cypriot team

[11] Davutoglu met with Cameron; Turkey to fight terrorism and racism with the UK

[12] EU discusses Turkey's progress report

[13] The Turkish Parliament voted against sending ex-ministers to top court over graft charges

[14] New bill prepared in Turkey enables Turkish PM and Ministers to block Internet without a court ruling

[15] Turkish professor resigns over a tweet that mocked Erdogan's 16 warriors

[16] Turkey and Qatar agree to form cooperation council to enhance bilateral tie

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan's message on energy issue; "Turkey will continue until the end to defend the rights of the TRNC"

Speaking at the Energy Market Summit in Ankara, Erdogan added that they will not make any concessions from their policy towards this issue and added that they will continue to show all necessary efforts in order to use oil and natural gas as means that will bring peace and prosperity to the region.

Stating that all benefits to be derived from energy resources should be used as a source for achieving peace and prosperity and not conflict or destruction, Erdogan said that Ankara is using its entire means to play a constructive role on the issue. "We are prioritizing this in all projects we are participating in and planning to participate in", Erdogan stressed.

AK

[02] Nami: By keeping alive our political will, we show to the world that we are sincere for a solution

During a television programme at the Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris TV yesterday, Nami said that the Cyprus talks are not the only issue of the "foreign ministry", but they make great efforts to lift the reportedly isolations. He added that this period they are carrying out meetings with the Turkish Cypriot Chambers of Trade and Industry particularly on the issue of halloumi/ hellim and on the other hand they are trying to increase the number of their representatives abroad.

Nami also said that they are constantly in a close dialogue with Turkey, adding: "We have parallel contacts and cooperation with every Ministry in Turkey".

[03] Olgun commented on the Direct Trade Regulation

Olgun explained that the Direct Trade Regulation (DTR) would not be bound to any proposal or precondition and argued that it was a regulation which brought to an end the "injustice" against the Turkish Cypriots. "Therefore it would be insolent to try and tie this issue with something else", Olgun alleged.

Noting that the UNFICYP report would be discussed on the 26th of January, Olgun referred to the paragraph 36 with regards to the so-called isolations of the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, he said that the Turkish Cypriot side is still at the table despite the fact that the Greek Cypriot side has left the table and expressed his hope that the Greek Cypriots will return to the table with no preconditions.

Stating that the place for a solution is at the table, he added it was important that the sides had widened their areas of cooperation in order to give the negotiations some momentum. He added that it was of a great importance the fact that a balance between the two sides was achieved before a solution so that a sustainable and viable agreement is reached.

[04] Ertug: The Turkish Cypriots have the right to trade directly with the EU countries

Replying to a question by the "Turkish Cypriot news agency ? TAK" regarding the statements made by the Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides on the issue of the direct trade regulation, Ertug claimed that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to make direct trade with the EU member countries. He alleged: "Direct Trade is our right. The expectation of a compensation from us in exchange of this and to demand the fenced off town of Varosha, which is part of the comprehensive solution, resembles the shuffle of apples and pears."

Recalling that the Direct Trade Regulation was one of the three regulations, which were prepared after the Annan referendum in 2004 in order to lift the "isolations" imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, Ertug said that the other two regulations were the Financial Aid Regulation and the Green Line Regulation. He added that the other two regulations are being implemented despite some deficiencies, but the Direct Trade Regulation is being prevented by the Greek Cypriot side. Ertug considers that the EU is responsible to remove this obstacle, adding that they have a moral obligation to the Turkish Cypriots.

Referring to the proposal of the Greek Cypriot side to open the occupied port of Famagusta under the EU control, in which they are already members, Ertug said that it is not possible to see it as a serious proposal. He added that "the port of Famagusta has always been open".

[05] Statements by Akinci and Ozersay on the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha

During a program on Turkish Cypriot private channel Kibris TV, Akinci said that he proposes the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha under the supervision/control of the UN for the benefit of both communities. He added that in case he is elected "president" he will seek a compromise in order to safeguard direct flights from the occupied airport of Tymbou and direct trade from the occupied port of Famagusta in exchange for the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha. Akinci noted that his aim, in case of being elected, is to reflect the factual will of the Turkish Cypriot community on the negotiating table and in any other platform.

On the same issue, Ozersay, during a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot Constructors Union, said that the fenced off town of Varosha should be opened under Turkish Cypriot administration, adding that this step will have a positive reflection to the economy.

Ozersay said: "I believe that the fenced off town of Varosha should be opened under Turkish Cypriot administration", claiming that they can take a step on this issue without waiting for a solution if only they knew that they can depend on Greek Cypriot side's will to take a step further; as it happened to the Cyprus talks, although they have discussed this issue several times with the Greek Cypriot side as part of certain proposals, they could not agree on it. He also said that he is determined to take a step on this issue, adding that no one can show political leadership with the concept "stay out of trouble". He claimed that the opening of the fenced off town of Varosha to its legal owners under Turkish Cypriot administration may be the reason to break the stagnation of the current situation.

[06] Cicek protested against his Iraqi counterpart for the occupation regime's title in the OIC

According to the paper, Cicek expostulated Iraq for the Iraqi Speaker's efforts during last September to support the efforts of Egypt to remove the title "Cyprus Turkish State" from the OIC.

Cicek in his protest against the Iraqi Speaker said: "We found it odd the reason why you support this stance. We want your stance to be friendly to the TRNC".

Replying to Cicek's words, Cumburi said: "The Cyprus problem is complicated. We should focus in depth towards this issue in order for these complications to be overcome".

AK

[07] A "parliamentary delegation" to carry out contacts in Brussels next week on the Direct Trade Regulation and the EP's draft report on Turkey

AK

[08] Siber evaluates to illegal Bayrak the Cyprus problem and the halloumi/hellim issue

Referring to the halloumi issue, Siber said that the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide launched an initiative at the European Commission on the issue of the registration of hellim as a result of the letter sent to the President of the European Commission.

"If the Greek Cypriot side's application is accepted as it is, this will mean the end for us. We will be entirely cut off from the production and it will be a big shock for our economy. For this reason, we cannot sit and wait", Sibel said.

Sibel said also that they will continue their efforts towards expressing the "rightfulness" of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and defending their rights at every platform.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Siber said that her aim is to be the leader that will sign the solution which will defend the rights of the "people" and stressed the need for a "clear and solution focused policy" to be followed.

AK

[09] The occupation regime attends a tourism fair in Stuttgart

According to a statement issued by the so-called "deputy prime ministry, ministry of economy, tourism, culture and sport", the "TRNC" is represented at the fair by "officials" of the tourism sector.

The occupation regime attends the fair with its own stand writes the paper and underlines that the fair has attracted two thousand visitors.

The occupation regime has distributed leaflets and maps in order to promote its tourism, writes the paper.

AK

[10] Two more Greek Cypriot football players were transferred to a Turkish Cypriot team

As the paper writes, the players are Stelios Kittos and Michalis Michail.

In statements to the paper, the two players said that they are professional football players and it is for that reason they changed their working place and crossed to the "north". The players added that they have nothing to be afraid for and stated that the Degirmenlik club has welcomed them very warmly.

AK

[11] Davutoglu met with Cameron; Turkey to fight terrorism and racism with the UK

Speaking during a press conference before attending a private meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron at the British Prime Ministerial Office, Davutoglu said the following: "The future of our continent now faces challenges like terrorism, racism and other type of challenges".

Davutoglu also thanked Cameron for U.K's support to Ankara in its EU accession process.

Cameron said that he had a lot to talk about with Davutoglu and praised bilateral economic and business ties. "Trade is growing, and investment in each other's countries is very positive", he added.

Cameron also said that Turkey and Britain should stand together against Russia during the ongoing crisis in Ukraine's east.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (20.01.15-online in English) reported that Davutoglu, delivering a speech at the "Merrill Lynch Turkey Investment Conference" which was organized in London, said that Turkey has successfully passed all economic and political tests and that it has proved to be a stable actor in the region and is no longer the "sick man of Europe".

Davutoglu noted that Turkey is becoming a strong economic player in the global arena. "The sick man of Europe was a term that referred to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century", said Davutoglu highlighting that the term is now used to refer to Europe instead. He emphasized that Turkey has become a regional hub and a global actor, and was successfully able to integrate a stable political vision over the past 10 years. He also added that Turkey's 2023 goals will be effective in moving the country forward.

An agreement between the London Stock Exchange and the Borsa Istanbul was also signed in London, which will help to increase the liquidity of some of the capital market instruments as well as give Turkish investment funds the ability to compete in global markets.

Speaking at the "Istanbul: Regional Center, Global Actor Forum", organized by Borsa Istanbul and Turkish Exporters Union, the Turkish Premier said that the collaboration between Turkey's and the U.K's economies might be a solution for the European Union.

Drawing attention to the similarities between London and Istanbul in terms of culture and traditions, Davutoglu said that in order to comprehend the modern economy, one would have to look at London; in order to comprehend the traditional economy, one would have to look at Istanbul. "These two traditions together form the global economy," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu added that when he was in Brussels last week, it became evident that Europe needs to search for new alternatives such as London and Istanbul. "Now the East and the West need to unite together. The European economy can only become integrated and improve itself if both of these traditions come together," Davutoglu said.

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He also said that in terms of cancelling visa requirements, Turkey's efforts are important and the country's resources are not based on oil or natural resources but mostly on human resources. "Our citizens should be able to travel freely. If they want to travel to Africa then they should be able to do that," Davutoglu said, stressing that Turkey has signed visa agreements with more than 65 countries for free access. Moreover, the Turkish government has plans to create regional centers in Africa that will be situated between East Asia and Latin America for Africa, Asia and Europe.

(?)

[12] EU discusses Turkey's progress report

The Dutch Socialist Kati Piri's draft report on Turkey's progress regarding its accession into the European Union was discussed at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday.

The report called for the opening of EU's chapter 23 on judiciary and fundamental rights, and chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security. Piri said the EU must engage more with Turkey.

The Rapporteur said that she included chapter 23 and 24, whose opening the EU has long called for, because reforms on the judiciary, fundamental rights, freedom and security sectors were needed urgently.

The advancement of other chapters on public procurement, competition, economic and monetary policy, social policy and employment, and foreign, security and defense policy was also requested in the EU's draft progress report.

The report also encouraged the advancement of EU visa waiver for Turkish nationals, and exchange programs for students and academicians.

The report also supported Turkey's solution process and said that ''solving the Kurdish issue in Turkey would positively contribute to stability and protection of human rights.''

(?)

[13] The Turkish Parliament voted against sending ex-ministers to top court over graft charges

A secret parliamentary vote has rejected calls for legal proceedings against former Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and former Interior Minister Muammer Guler at Turkey's top court in an alleged graft case.

Out of 550 total members, 517 of Turkey's Grand National Assembly members participated in the secret ballot to decide whether Caglayan should stand trial at the Constitutional Court, known as the "Yuce Divan".

In the ballot, 242 voted in favor, while 264 voted against sending the former Minister to court.

Seven Deputies abstained, while three votes were declared invalid and one vote was left blank.

In the secret ballot concerning Guler, 241 voted in favor, while 258 voted against sending the former Minister to court.

The voting for the other two ex-ministers Erdogan Bayraktar and Egemen Bagis was expected to last until midnight.

Four former Ministers were targeted in an operation, which was allegedly orchestrated by the Gulen Movement in an attempt to topple the government. The group which is believed to have infiltrated the government's key bodies such as the judiciary and the police is accused of planning a coup by launching December 17 and December 25 operations in 2013.

(?)

[14] New bill prepared in Turkey enables Turkish PM and Ministers to block Internet without a court ruling

The Prime Ministry and related Ministries will be able to demand that the Telecommunications Directorate's (TIB) authority to close websites within four hours on the basis of national security, protecting public order or preventing crime, according to a last-minute article submitted to parliament as part of an omnibus bill about foundations and associations.

The TIB will be able to decide to block websites or remove related content from the Internet in a very short period of time, according to the bill submitted by ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Konya Deputy Kerim Ozkul. A demand by the Prime Ministry or any Ministry will be sufficient for the TIB to take urgent decision to block access or remove Internet content in the name of "protecting the right to life, protecting people's life and property, national security, public order, preventing crime, or protecting general health."

Websites will be blocked four hours after the decision is sent by the TIB to the content providers or hosting provider and will remain closed until the content is removed.

Another regulation that granted similar rights to the TIB was passed in parliament on September 10, 2014, sparking protests from Internet rights groups.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) appealed to the Constitutional Court on September 15, 2014, to annul the changes, arguing that they further restricted Internet use in Turkey and increased the government's control of web traffic. On October 2, 2014, the Constitutional Court ruled as "unconstitutional" the TIB's authority to close websites within four hours without a court ruling.

[15] Turkish professor resigns over a tweet that mocked Erdogan's 16 warriors

"Which Turkish principality is this one wearing a bathrobe?" asked Professor Hasan Herken, the Medical Faculty Dean of Pamukkale, in a tweet. He later deleted the tweet.

However, Herken apparently failed to delete the post soon enough, announcing over the weekend that he had resigned. The interpretations of his post went beyond his intentions, the Dean said in a written statement, adding that he did not insult "the history or moral values of the nation, or the President who represents the Turkish state."

(?) Herken elaborated on his resignation during a phone interview on private broadcaster CNNTurk on January 16, saying his decision was related to death threats. "They were threatening to tear me apart. There were threats against my family, too," he said, referring to online reactions.

[16] Turkey and Qatar agree to form cooperation council to enhance bilateral ties

Cavusoglu and Khalid also discussed agreements on military cooperation.

Addressing a press conference after their official meeting in Doha, Cavusoglu said: "During the meeting with Foreign Minister Khalid we decided to establish a joint committee."

"The delegations from both sides will meet in March. In April, another meeting will be organized at the Foreign Ministers' level", Cavusoglu said.

Turkey has so far established such cooperation councils with 18 other countries. Georgia will be the 19th country to join the council.

Cavusoglu also commented on the bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

"The bilateral trade volume is not at the level we wish," he said, adding that Turkish companies have undertaken important projects, but Qatar also has its goals for the World Cup (in 2022).

Cavusoglu's visit to Qatar comes just a month after Qatar's intelligence chief Jassem al-Thani held talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo to prepare for an upcoming joint summit between the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that Cavusoglu's planned visit to Yemen on Tuesday was cancelled because of conflicts in the country's capital Sanaa. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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