Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-01-23

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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] Davutoglu' statements from Davos on the Cyprus problem

[02] Eroglu will have a telephone conversation with Eide on January 25

[03] Eroglu met with Amanda Sloat

[04] Sibel called on the OIC members to take steps towards ending the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots until a solution is reached

[05] Olgun's interview to Kibris Postasi: "The gas issue is an artificially inflated balloon of the Greek Cypriot side"

[06] The Cyprus problem has been discussed at the so-called assembly; Statements by Nami and Saner

[07] Birinci: There are positive developments in favour of the Turkish Cypriots in the UN Report

[08] KTOS chairman accused the self-styled minister of finance that he is an employee who receives orders from Turkey

[09] Self-styled minister of public works and transportation is inspecting the Iskenderun port

[10] The breakaway regime will participate in 17 tourism fairs in 2015

[11] Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in occupied Myrtou to be restored by UNDP and EU funds

[12] Davutoglu calls Egypt to come to dialogue; "Dialogue is better than war of words"

[13] Erdogan called on foreign countries to close down Gulenist schools

[14] Hungarian FM to visit Turkey

[15] EU replies to Turkey's actions to block Twitter accounts

[16] A Turkish lawyer has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment over charges of "insulting the Turkish nation and the Republic"

[17] TUSIAD elected a new chairman

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Davutoglu' statements from Davos on the Cyprus problem

Speaking at a dinner on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos, the Turkish Premier reminded that it was the Turkish Cypriots and not the Greek Cypriots who had overwhelmingly voted in favor of the UN sponsored Annan Plan in 2004.

Davutoglu pointed out that the EU nevertheless continued to punish the Turkish Cypriots, and not the Greek Cypriots who voted against the plan, with "isolations and embargoes".

Also, touching upon Turkey's EU membership process, Davutoglu said that Turkey has done all it can to join the EU. "We are ready to open the 27 chapters. If there were no political preventions and these chapters were opened we could easily conclude 15 of them. I assure you that Turkey could be ready for full membership in 2 years if these political obstacles were removed. We are unfortunately unable to move forward because of the Cyprus Issue and the preventative efforts of some member countries", Davutoglu said.

[02] Eroglu will have a telephone conversation with Eide on January 25

Speaking to villages in occupied Morphou area within the framework of his "election campaign", Eroglu said that the Cyprus talks have been dragged on. He claimed that the Greek Cypriot side does not represent their rights, accusing the UN and the EU of being silent on this "injustice". He added, however, that they have patience and they are right and they will take definitely their rights on the negotiating table.

Eroglu also said that he met with former Cyprus President Christofias 77 times, but only 7 times with Cyprus President Anastasiades. He claimed that Anastasiades has abandoned the negotiating table, but he is still on. Eroglu added that those who abandoned the negotiating table should return without preconditions if there is an intention of reaching an agreement.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that Eroglu met also yesterday with a delegation from the "fighters' commanders association".

In his speech, Eroglu said that this "election" is important because of the negotiations that are expected to start, pointed out that the people's thoughts will be carried to the negotiating table and a leader, who will seek an agreement by taking into account the "TRNC people's" struggle, is needed.

Eroglu also claimed: "We came to the presidency in the quest of having an agreement. As the UN Secretary-General stated, we are entering into a negotiation process that can be considered as the last episode. Therefore, your support is important".

Eroglu noted that the existence of the "TRNC" strengthens his hand at the negotiating table, claiming: "If the TRNC was not present, we would be a minority at the table, however currently we are sitting at the table as equal parties".

According to illegal Bayrak television (online, 22.01.15), Eroglu, speaking during a meeting, said that he expects the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiating table sooner or later, adding that it is necessary for the talks to resume and to sit at the negotiating table with the Greek Cypriots again.

Eroglu also claimed that it will be easier to solve the outstanding differences that existed on the Cyprus issue if the Greek Cypriots returned to the table without any preconditions. "Our Greek Cypriot neighbours are not at the negotiating table at the moment but they will return to the talks sooner or later. Should they give up their preconditions it will be very easy to reach a settlement because our priority is not to quarrel over preconditions but to solve the outstanding differences", he alleged.

[03] Eroglu met with Amanda Sloat

As part of her contacts, Sloat met on Thursday with the Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

The so-called presidential spokesman Osman Ertug, the "presidential undersecretary" Hasan Gungor, the Turkish Cypriot Negotiator Ergun Olgun as well as other members of the negotiating team were present at the meeting.

Sloat who is in the island to discuss with leaders of the two sides the ongoing efforts to advance the Cyprus peace process, reiterated US support for the UN-facilitated negotiations to reunify the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

Sloat will also meet with representatives of business and civil society organizations, and alumni of US-sponsored exchange programmes.

No statement was issued to the press before or after the meeting.

[04] Sibel called on the OIC members to take steps towards ending the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots until a solution is reached

Siber expressed during her speech the belief that the OIC member states "will take concrete steps towards ending the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots until a comprehensive settlement is reached on the island". Also providing information about the economy of the breakaway regime and the various locomotive sectors, she called on OIC member states "to continue their support to the TRNC and to invest in North Cyprus". She also thanked the OIC for its support "to the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot people" both with its resolutions and declarations and called on all member countries "to end the inhumane and unjust embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot State, to establish strong economic and social relations with the TRNC and to hold their events and organizations in North Cyprus".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, she said that the time has come for a solution to be found and claimed that the Greek Cypriot side had "abruptly" abandoned the negotiations process on the 7th of October 2014 by "citing disagreements over the hydrocarbons issue".

She also claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side preserved its commitment towards reaching a settlement through result-oriented negotiations as outlined in the February 11th 2014 Joint Declaration and called on the Greek Cypriot side to return to the negotiation table without any preconditions to solve all the outstanding issues, including the issue of hydrocarbons.

In addition, illegal Bayrak television (23.01.15) broadcast that upon her return to the occupied area of Cyprus at the illegal Tymbou airport, Sibel stated that

the conference had been quite useful in terms of "breaking the isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots as well as developing relations with OIC countries".

Siber also said that they did not have the right to vote at the meeting. "We have been attending the OIC's meetings since 2004 as an observer, as the Turkish Cypriot state and we only had the right to deliver a speech. This is extremely important for us because unfortunately as you all know we rarely have the opportunity to voice ourselves and our cause at international platforms", she stated.

[05] Olgun's interview to Kibris Postasi: "The gas issue is an artificially inflated balloon of the Greek Cypriot side"

Olgun who evaluated the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the speculations regarding gas reserves, which has been dominating the politics around peace talks, claimed that there was no gas to share.

According to Olgun, the gas issue is an "artificially inflated balloon" created by the "Greek Cypriot leadership" in order to abandon the negotiations table.

Commenting on the role of the international actors in the negotiation process, Olgun criticized all the actors involved in the Cyprus problem for not giving enough support to the process.

Claiming that the actions of some of the international actors involved in the Cyprus problem are actions which strengthen the status quo in Cyprus, Olgun added: "It is evident that there is no gas to share anyway. They created a deliberate and artificial crisis. There is an empty balloon and it's the gas reserve..." said Olgun.

Alleging that the Greek Cypriot side and the international actors are going through a "sincerity test", Olgun claimed that "south Cyprus", as he called the Republic of Cyprus is already benefiting from the money they got in return of drilling licenses. "They are making profit from the license money, therefore they want this situation to continue", said Olgun.

Supporting that a change in Cyprus could be possible only with visionary and proactive policies, Olgun added: "The 50 year long status quo will continue unless everyone switch to such policies", said Olgun.

[06] The Cyprus problem has been discussed at the so-called assembly; Statements by Nami and Saner

In statements during the meeting of the "assembly", so-called Foreign Minister Ozdil Nami has underlined the importance of speaking to the world on the Cyprus problem as one voice.

Nami said that the "government" attaches great importance to national unity and solidarity and stated that a joint vision had been expressed on the Cyprus problem and that serious work had been conducted on the issue.

Claiming that it would be wrong to link the problems experienced at the negotiating table with the NAVTEX, Nami alleged that the problems regarding the negotiations process had been going on long before the NAVTEX issue had emerged.

Nami also said that he expected all the political parties to support the joint vision.

Supporting that the Turkish Cypriot side could and should not be held responsible for the suspension of the talks, Nami added that it was the Greek Cypriots who had abandoned the negotiating table by citing the NAVTEX as an excuse.

He further said that it is high time the international community to be informed about the fact that it is the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, which was running away from the negotiations and that the Turkish Cypriots were being subjected to "inhuman embargoes".

Also speaking, Hamza Ersan Saner, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) in occupied Famagusta, pointed out that the different views within the Turkish Cypriot society regarding the Cyprus talks was wrong despite the fact that it was clearly that it is the "Greek Cypriot leader", as he called President Nicos Anastasiades who had abandoned the negotiating table.

Referring to the latest statement by the so-called prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu that he did not approve the "continental shelf delineation agreement", contradicted with the "foreign minister's statements" approving the NAVTEX issued by Turkey for seismic research.

[07] Birinci: There are positive developments in favour of the Turkish Cypriots in the UN Report

In a written statement, Birinci said that after the latest UN Report on Cyprus, they have entered again a period of mutual accusations. She claimed that the latest Report has been prepared by including the sensitivities of all sides and the current situation. She added that in the Report there are positive developments in favour of the Turkish Cypriots.

Birinci claimed that in case the fenced off town of Varosha is opened under the supervision of the UN in exchange of the free trade from the occupied port of Famagusta and the direct flights from the occupied airport of Tymbou, everyone will benefit from it.

[08] KTOS chairman accused the self-styled minister of finance that he is an employee who receives orders from Turkey

The incident took place during the discussions for the Economic Protocol 2015 between Turkey and the breakaway regime. Elcil who disagreed with Mungan on his statements he made for the protocol stated: "You are not a minister, you are a public servant, and you are taking your order always from the (Turkish) embassy".

[09] Self-styled minister of public works and transportation is inspecting the Iskenderun port

On the sideline of his visit, Tacoy will also hold contacts with the Iskenderun Chamber of Commerce and with the Mayor of the city as well as with other local officials.

[10] The breakaway regime will participate in 17 tourism fairs in 2015

The paper also reports that the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is also being represented at the EMITT alongside with 71 countries.

Replying to the questions from "BRT" and "TRT" reporters, Denktas, commenting on the incentives given in the tourism sector, said that there is need to spread and distribute tourism revenues, which are increasingly becoming monopolized. He announced that a pilot scheme will be launched in occupied Famagust on the issue, explaining that the incentives for hotel investors will be given according to how much these establishments use local labour force and local products.

Noting that the biggest problem in marketing the "country's" tourism is the environmental pollution, Denktas said that tourists are not impressed with the scenery when they arrived on the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. "It's like they see a closed room that has been dusted for years" Denktas said. However, he added that they still remained committed to achieving the target of attracting 1 million tourists. He said that the "TRNC" receives most of its tourists from Turkey, pointing out to the increase in the tourists from Scandinavian countries during 2014.

[11] Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in occupied Myrtou to be restored by UNDP and EU funds

[12] Davutoglu calls Egypt to come to dialogue; "Dialogue is better than war of words"

"I want to underline: Egypt is the backbone of the region. The region's stability will be resilient if Egypt is strong. There will be problems in the region if Egypt is in trouble. This is how we think; they either accept it or they don't," Davutoglu said in an address to opinion-makers from various Arab countries at a meeting on January 21 in Davos.

"Egypt can only find stability by acquiring legitimacy through the free will of the country's people", Davutoglu said.

Turkey and Egypt withdrew their Ambassadors from each other's capitals last year as part of a tension following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in a 2013 military coup staged by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is now the country's President. Turkey has remained the strongest opponent to el-Sisi's leadership, frequently directing accusations at the Egyptian leader.

"Instead of reciprocal accusations, we should come together and talk; we should try to understand each other. We, as Turkey, have no political agenda with any other country. Just like Tunisia. We feel great pride and happiness with [Tunisia]. I want to congratulate all Tunisians. It's a success story," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu underlined that Turkey would never recognize the military coup in Egypt out of "respect for its own values."

"We have [said this] and will continue to do so. We hope that the Egyptian people and our Egyptian friends will be able to bring about a more inclusive government," he added.

(?)

[13] Erdogan called on foreign countries to close down Gulenist schools

"Me, our Prime Minister, and our Ministers tell the leaders of countries we visit to close these schools, explaining our positions", Erdogan said on January 22, while speaking at a joint press conference with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

His remarks came in response to a question about the private and charter schools operated by supporters of the Gulen movement across over 140 countries, including many in Africa.

Erdogan also said government officials seek to assure these countries that Turkey's Education Ministry would be able to provide the services given by Gulen schools in these countries.

"The Education Ministry is about to complete its works on this issue," he added.

On several occasions over the past few years, Erdogan has reportedly urged foreign countries, particularly African countries where Gulen supporters are known to have a strong presence, to be careful about the Gulen movement's activities, arguing that it uses its schools and charities as a cover for its "dangerous actions."

[14] Hungarian FM to visit Turkey

Turkey-Hungary bilateral relations and recent regional and international developments are to be discussed during Szijjarto's visit.

The two Foreign Ministers will sign a cooperation agreement, the statement said.

Previously, Szijjarto stated that Budapest will continue to support Turkey's integration with the European Union.

(?)

[15] EU replies to Turkey's actions to block Twitter accounts

In response to a question on Turkey's Twitter move, Anca Paduraru, a press officer for the European Commission, said: "As a fundamental principle, we would like to recall the European Convention on Human Rights [ECHR] and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which clearly gives each citizen the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. These are standards that we value very highly and which all parties to the convention are bound to uphold. And these are not just European standards key for the accession process. They embody universal values. Limitations must be strictly exceptional and proportionate and justified only in very specific circumstances -- i.e., to ban incitement to hatred and violence."

A criminal court of peace has asked Twitter to remove tweets posted by dozens of users, including journalists and human rights defenders. Dozens of Turkish Twitter users tweeted on Wednesday that they had received emails from Twitter asking them to delete certain posts and saying the company might take action if they did not delete them.

Journalist Arzu Y?ld?z published via her Twitter account a list of the accounts that were subject to the decision of the Criminal Court of Peace. Along with the Twitter accounts of local journalists who are critical of the government, posts from the Twitter accounts of certain news websites which are also on the list of those tweets to be deleted.

The list also includes a Twitter account belonging to former Istanbul Police Chief Ali Fuat Y?lmazer, who is currently behind bars on charges of wiretapping.

A total of 220 Twitter users were reportedly asked to delete specific tweets.

[16] A Turkish lawyer has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment over charges of "insulting the Turkish nation and the Republic"

A former President of the Human Rights Association's (IHD) Istanbul office, Keskin was a guest speaker at a conference in Tekirdag province. While speaking there, she commented on the killing of 12-year-old Ugur Kaymaz and his father by police, saying: "The [Turkish] state has a wild mindset [that allows it] to slay a 12-year-old. Turkey has to answer [for this]. Turkey has a dirty history."

Ten years after her comment, a court sentenced her to 10 months in jail, basing its ruling on the highly controversial Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

The judge chose not to put Keskin on probation, saying she "has a bad record and might commit another similar crime in the future."

Speaking to the media on her conviction, Keskin said she has no criminal record and that the judge, seeing her as an enemy, acted with vengeance.

"The expressions 'bad record' and 'criminal record' are used for people who have committed serious crimes. I am a human rights activist and a lawyer. So far, I have only been tried for my views. The government claims that there is nobody in jail for their opinions, but apparently nothing has changed in Turkey", Keskin said.

Many Turkish journalists and authors, including Elif Safak and Nobel literature laureate Orhan Pamuk, have faced prosecution based on the same article, mostly concerning comments supporting claims of an Armenian genocide in 1915. Following a large number of cases, an amendment was introduced to Article 301 in 2008, narrowing the scope of the crime. If the Supreme Court of Appeals upholds Keskin's conviction, she will be the first person in a long while to be imprisoned based on the article.

[17] TUSIAD elected a new chairman

The board of directors list, presented by Cansen Basaran-Symes, was also announced.

During her speech following her election, Basaran-Symes said that the business world is having "a tough time" because of global economic uncertainties.

(?)

Basaran-Symes studied at the Faculty of Business Administration at Istanbul University. She worked in various positions at PwC's Copenhagen, London and Istanbul offices until April 2013, and she also acted as a Board Member for PwC Middle and Eastern Europe and PwC Eurofirm. As of March, 2014, she has been acting as the CEO of Allianz Sigorta A.S. and Allianz Hayat ve Emeklilik A.S. She has now been elected as Chairperson of TUSIAD. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

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