Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-02-09

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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] Eroglu accuses President Anastasiades of lying

[02] Cavusoglu: Turkey as a motherland and guarantor country will continue to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriots

[03] Turkish Cypriot columnist explains why the lifting of the so-called isolations is both positive and risky

[04] Nami met with MUSIAD's delegation

[05] The occupation regime in a Food fair in Dubai

[06] Halloumi cheese and other dairy products detrital of bacteria were taken away from the Turkish Cypriot market places

[07] Three globally famous hotel chains to get active in the occupied area of Cyprus at the beginning of 2016

[08] The Evkaf director resigned over the issue of opening of all tender restoration of historical buildings in the breakaway regime for Turkey

[09] Illegal GAU university signed an academic cooperation agreement with the Middle East University of Jordan

[10] Erdogan wants 400 Deputies for his former AKP at Turkish elections

[11] Commentary views Davutoglu's political future ahead of the general elections

[12] Turkey's Deputy PM: AK Party's divisive, bitter rhetoric not good for society

[13] Intelligence chief in Turkey resigns to run for Parliament

[14] Turkey's Cavusoglu pulls out of Munich conference due to Israel's attendance

[15] Twenty-one police officers were detained for wiretapping probe

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu accuses President Anastasiades of lying

Eroglu argued that it is out of the question for the Turkish Cypriots to enter under the roof of the Republic of Cyprus, which has allegedly been turned into a Greek Cypriot state. He reiterated the Turkish view that a new partnership will be established in Cyprus.

Eroglu said that the important thing for them is to "register the existing situation in the world" and added: "They say that no one recognizes the TRNC. Every country in the world knows that there is a state called TRNC. It may be non-recognized, but it exists. I am sitting at the table as leader of the TRNC. What we do not have is being recognized. Everything which a state should have exists. We have land, we have people, we have democratic institutions, we have army. That is, they know that we are a state, but they do not recognize us. Because the negotiations have been continuing until today, we did not go out for recognition. However, if the negotiations enter into a deadlock with these caprices of the Greek Cypriots, we will sit and evaluate the situation with you and the motherland. We will choose our own way [?] The TRNC is what strengthens me at the negotiations. [?] If I did not have a state, I would ask for minority rights from the Greek Cypriots. Now I am telling you that I am an equal state. I am referring to two founding states of equal status. We are referring to one of the UN parameters, a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation which will be formed by two founding states of equal status based on political equality. What is Anastasiades referring to? To the Republic of Cyprus. That is, he says that we will enter under the Republic of Cyprus. This will not happen. A new partnership state will be established".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Cavusoglu: Turkey as a motherland and guarantor country will continue to defend the rights of the Turkish Cypriots

Speaking in a live interview to Turkish State Television in Berlin Germany, Cavusoglu stated that there is currently "a blocked negotiations process in Cyprus".

Highlighting the need for the immediate resumption of the negotiations process, Cavusoglu alleged that both Turkey and the breakaway regime wanted to resume talks from where they were left off and that "the Turkish Cypriot side was waiting at the table".

Referring to the change in government in Greece and its impact on the Cyprus problem, Cavusoglu said: "We are not concerned with differences in ideologies. We are working with numerous governments, administrations or political parties in the world, all of which have different and at times conflicting ideologies. We know that Tsipras is looking at problems from a more global or international perspective. It is only natural they will be defending their own interests. And so we as Turkey will be seeking to look out and defend the interests of the Turkish nation as well as the rights of the Turkish Cypriots."

[03] Turkish Cypriot columnist explains why the lifting of the so-called isolations is both positive and risky

She goes on noting:

"[?] Even though at the first glance this seems like a positive stance for the Turkish Cypriots, I think that it is equally risky, because even if it is a 'fear' which 'could push' the Greek Cypriot side towards a solution, the lifting of the isolations has the potential of creating an influence in the opposite direction from the Turkish Cypriot side's point of view. It would be useful not to forget that the most ideal solution to the Cyprus problem is the solution! And this is valid for all the inhabitants of the island, mainly for the Turkish Cypriots. Even though, in the way towards the solution, I find important and necessary every initiative which will support the conditions of the solution and create and increase trust between the communities, I am frankly concerned by the possibility of steps that have the character of 'substituting the solution' will be turned into an escaping corridor in the hands of political leaderships which do not sincerely want a federal solution.

Even though the isolations are like a foreign body which prevents us from breathing and their lifting constitutes a vital need for us, when their direct consequences are taken into consideration, it is important for the efforts for this kind of significant steps to be exerted cautiously and in a controlled manner in the name of the anxiety of the solution. Because the possibility of the Turkish Cypriot politicians degrading the Cyprus problem only to the isolations' level and say 'is this not what we wanted anyway?' is, unfortunately, high".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Nami met with MUSIAD's delegation

According to the "press department" of the so-called ministry, possible efforts by MUSIAD to help the Turkish Cypriot "people" on the issue of the "isolations" imposed to them were discussed during the meeting.

An exchange of views was also held on what could be done in terms of activities for 2015.

[05] The occupation regime in a Food fair in Dubai

The fair is the biggest in the world and according to information released, the "TRNC" is taking part with its own stand promoting and offering several products such as hellim/halloumi, milk products, coffee, carob and tahini helva sweet.

[06] Halloumi cheese and other dairy products detrital of bacteria were taken away from the Turkish Cypriot market places

Meanwhile, control inspections were also carried out in 43 different working places in occupied Trikomo writes the paper and added that totally 357 expired products were removed.

(AK)

[07] Three globally famous hotel chains to get active in the occupied area of Cyprus at the beginning of 2016

Refraining to give the names of the hotel chains, Aktig described the hotel projects as very important projects which would contribute to the occupation regime's tourism and the promotion of the "TRNC". He avoided giving further information on the names of the hotels in order for the Greek Cypriots, as he said, not to be able to prevent these investments.

Aktig stated that the names of the hotels will be announced as soon as they will open their complexes.

(AK)

[08] The Evkaf director resigned over the issue of opening of all tender restoration of historical buildings in the breakaway regime for Turkey

Earlier in the week, the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association slammed the Foundations Directorate for his statements in support of the protocol signed with Ankara which envisages the opening of all tender calls for restoration of historical buildings in the breakaway regime belonging to the "Administration" to be opened in Turkey.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc last week had stated that all buildings and sites belonging to the Evkaf would be renovated or restorated by Turkey.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (08.02.15) reports that the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Building Contractors Union Cafer Gurcafer commented on Ersanal's resignation as follows: "He was the main architect of the protocol signed with Turkey. Let us hope for the best".

According to Gurcafer, Ersenal's stance on the protocol conflicted with the "government's" position and that was the main reason for his resignation. "We had a very positive meeting with the government. We are expecting a positive decision from the council of ministers" said Gurcafer.

[09] Illegal GAU university signed an academic cooperation agreement with the Middle East University of Jordan

According to a statement issue by the illegal GAU, the agreement was signed by the "Deputy director" of the "administration board" and CEO of the occupied university, Dr Asim Vehbi and the "Deputy chairman" of the "board of trustees" of MEU, responsible for foreign relations and dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Dr Sanaa Shiqwarah.

The agreement envisages the mutual exchange of students between the two "universities", writes the paper.

(AK)

[10] Erdogan wants 400 Deputies for his former AKP at Turkish elections

"If we want a new Turkey at the June 7 elections, we will give it 400 lawmakers," Erdogan said, speaking at a public rally in the northwestern province of Bursa on Feb. 6.

He linked several key issues to this newly set goal, including his desired shift to the presidential system. At least 330 Deputies in parliament are needed to change the Constitution.

Erdogan also slammed opposition criticism that the nominally impartial President should not hold partisan public meetings ahead of elections. He repeated his wish for a change to presidential system from the current parliamentary system, labeling those who oppose this as "ignorant."

[11] Commentary views Davutoglu's political future ahead of the general elections

"Depending on the results of the elections on 7 June 2015, there are three possibilities according to which Ahmet Davutoglu's political future will be shaped.

If his party, the AKP [Justice and Development Party], receives more than 330 seats, a Constitution that introduces the "presidential system" Recep Tayyip Erdogan is after will be drafted and put to a referendum. A "Yes" vote will end Davutoglu's job of "executing the government's general policies" on paper as well. In short, any election success that paves the path for Erdogan to become the all-powerful will mean the ultimate loss of his title for Davutoglu.

If the opposite happens, for instance, should the AKP remain in power while sliding below "300 seats", which is a psychological limit, Davutoglu will somehow be held accountable for this failure.

In such a situation, the first thing that comes to mind is that Erdogan will ask somebody else other than Davutoglu to form the new government, that is, Davutoglu will still lose his title.

In the meantime, given the current circumstances and data, one needs to note that there is no real possibility that on 7 June the AKP will fail to get the majority required to form a government by itself. The third possibility is that the AKP will achieve a position close to the present one by winning between 300 and 330 Deputies.

In all cases where the AKP remains below 330 seats, Erdogan will not be able to draft the constitution that provides for the presidential system he set his eyes on. Since he will not be able to do that, he will continue to rule the country and his party from the palace as he is doing now by violating on a daily basis the current constitution that places him in an unaccountable and impartial position.

What concerns us, as far as Davutoglu is concerned, is whether he will be able to maintain his title in a country where Erdogan acts as the de facto president or the de facto Prime Minister. Since the day he was assigned to the post of Prime Minister, Davutoglu was not able to see thorough any move that Erdogan did not sanction. Erdogan did not allow Davutoglu to realize himself as the Prime Minister.

[?]

Davutoglu did not voice a view that departed in content or was different from those who warned that the presidential system favored by Erdogan would drag the country into a dictatorship.

Those who opposed the presidential system favored by Erdogan were already making the point that "given the presence of authoritarian political culture and inclination in the government, this will lead to blatant dictatorship if sufficient checks and balances are not put in place."

In the end, by using his intellectual capacity, Davutoglu evaded Erdogan's expectation that he needed to make a statement regarding the topic and acted as if he were an advocate of the presidential system [?].

[12] Turkey's Deputy PM: AK Party's divisive, bitter rhetoric not good for society

Speaking to CNN Turk on Saturday, Arinc criticized his own party and complained about the lack of a harmonizing approach from the AK Party toward dissenters in society. He stressed that in earlier periods of the AK Party's 12 years in power, citizens who voted for parties other than the AK Party, who correspond to some 50% of all voters, treated the AK Party with respect.

Arinc also said problems could arise within the state, lamenting that proximity to the ruling party is valued more than merit in the recruitment for positions within the state bureaucracy. He also urged Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu not to adopt bitter and inflammatory language during his speeches.

[13] Intelligence chief in Turkey resigns to run for Parliament

Opposition parties have described the resignation as proof that MIT has acted up until now like the intelligence agency of the ruling party rather than that of the state.

MIT has faced harsh criticism ?on a number of occasions since Fidan was appointed as undersecretary of MIT in May of 2010. One of the major failures is the killing of 34 Turkish citizens in Uludere on the country's Iraqi border.

Various scenarios about MIT's Fidan's future in politics were published in the Turkish media in the past couple of weeks. According to some, Fidan is the person whom President Erdogan wants to see as Prime Minister instead of Davutoglu after the elections.

However, Erdogan said on Sunday that he is not in favor of Fidan's running for Parliament. Erdogan also dismissed criticism from the opposition against Fidan's bid to enter Parliament, saying he has every right to resign to run for Parliament.

Fidan, 47, is known to be one of the key architects of Turkey's regional policy, especially Syrian policy, since the start of a vicious civil war four years ago.

[14] Turkey's Cavusoglu pulls out of Munich conference due to Israel's attendance

Cavusoglu made the announcement at a press conference in Berlin on Friday after participating in Turkey's West Europe Consul-Generals' meeting.

The Foreign Minister planned to attend the conference where around 20 heads of states, 60 Foreign and Defense Ministers gathered. "But, we have decided not to participate in the Munich Security Conference because they have subsequently invited Israeli representatives to the Middle East session," Cavusoglu said.

He also said that relations between Turkey and Germany were not restricted to the conference. "This is not an approach against Germany," the Foreign Minister stressed.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pawlo Klimkin are among participants of the conference.

[15] Twenty one police officers were detained for wiretapping probe

According to Siddik Filiz, a lawyer of the policemen, the detainment orders were issued on charges of forming an armed terrorist organization, being members of the organization, being involved in the organization's activities, military and political spying and attempting to stage a coup to destroy the Turkish Republic and hinder its activities.

"We are facing a new charge, attempting to stage a coup," Filiz said.

In his remarks to Cihan, Filiz claimed that no new evidence has been presented and Sunday's operation does not fall under due process of the law.

(?)

At least 100 high-ranking police officers have been detained in a series of synchronized raids in more than 20 provinces since July. These officers were involved in an anti-corruption operation that went public on Dec. 17, 2013, as well as investigations into Balyoz (Sledgehammer), Ergenekon, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) and Tawhid-Salam.

(?) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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