Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-05-29

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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] Akinci to meet with UNSG in New York next week

[02] Akinci: The negotiators achieved progress on issues such as the federal structure and power sharing; There is a long process ahead

[03] Akinci met with the Ambassadors of France, Poland and Slovakia

[04] Ozersay claimed that the Cyprus settlement is not in the agenda of the Greek Cypriot side

[05] Arabacioglu: In case of a solution, the 60% of the population will be displaced

[06] Dincyurek delivered a speech at OIC FM's meeting; He called the OIC's member states to carry out investments in the "TRNC" and lift the so-called isolations

[07] Talat: "The Turkish Aid delegation should be closed"

[08] Turkish Cypriot columnist replies to Erdogan on the issue of the guarantees in Cyprus

[09] The occupation regime promotes its tourism in Germany

[10] The occupation regime implements the e-identity card project

[11] Piri interviewed by Daily Sabah: "Reaching a permanent solution in Cyprus peace talks will aid Turkey's EU bid"

[12] Countdown starts for Turkey's June 7th general elections

[13] Turkey's opposition parties rule out coalition scenarios with AKP

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci to meet with UNSG in New York next week

Akinci will depart for New York on the 2nd of June and is expected to return on the 7th of June.

According to reports, it is believed that the Secretary-General spoke to both leaders yesterday after their meeting.

The United Nations have openly praised the steps taken by the two leaders, especially their joint plea to anyone who may have information on missing persons to step forward without hesitation.

"It will be the first time that Akinci will be meeting with the Secretary-General in a private meeting", the report said.

[02] Akinci: The negotiators achieved progress on issues such as the federal structure and power sharing; There is a long process ahead

Wishing the negotiations to continue in such a positive manner, Akinci added: "Our biggest wish is for the end to be good. Therefore, there is progress, we are not at the point we were yesterday, but there is still distance to be covered".

Akinci said that during their meeting yesterday they determined the dates of meetings, which will be held in June and July, and took new steps with a constructive spirit.

Pointing out that for the first time the two leaders made a common call on the issue of the missing persons asking anyone who knows anything on this issue not to keep it secret, Akinci noted that the names of the persons who will give information will not be disclosed and both leaders made a strong call on this issue. Akinci underlined that the issue of the missing persons is a "human crime" and as time goes by the chances of finding these persons decrease.

Referring to the opening of crossing points, Akinci said that yesterday they announced the opening of the points in Apliki and Deryneia areas and added that in the future the opening of more crossing points might come on the agenda, something for which further examination is needed and they decided that this should be carried out by the committees.

Noting that they also decided the interconnection of the electricity networks, Akinci argued that this decision will relax the electricity systems in both sides and create a new situation which will benefit mainly the consumers in both sides. Pointing out that technicians from both sides will discuss the technical issues, Akinci said that this will be important for the stabilization of the production, the transfer and the distribution of electricity and the increase of the quality of the network. He expressed the belief that with the new practice the power plants will operate in a more efficient and economical way, and the decrease of the production costs will come onto the agenda. He said that even if any of the power plants stops operating there will be no cuts of electricity supply.

Referring to the issue of the unification of the cell phones network, Akinci said that political will exists in both sides on this issue, noting, however, that "we are not at the point of saying that we have settled this issue". He added that they assigned the committees with the duty of establishing how this will be done and asked the committees to inform them how this problem could be solved.

Pointing out that a problem also exists on the radio frequencies issue, Akinci said that they decided to ask the committees to carry out a technical work on how the frequencies will not intermingle.

Drawing attention to the fact that half of both communities consist of women, Akinci noted that in order for the women to play an active role in the solution, they decided the establishment of a committee on gender equality.

Furthermore, Akinci announced the names of the members of the Cultural Committee the establishment of which had been decided in the previous meeting between the leaders. He said that the Turkish Cypriot members of this committee are the following: Yasar Ersoy, Zehra Sonya, Kani Kanol, Ruzen Atakan, Umit Inatci, Musa Kayra, Emin Cizenel, Mehmet Kansu and Yiltan Tasci. He noted that these members will meet with their Greek Cypriot counterparts at the first opportunity.

Replying to questions, Akinci said that emphasis in the negotiations was given to chapters the discussion of which had started in the previous [Eroglu] period and noted these are mainly the governance and the federal structure. He noted that they were not limited to these and added that they discussed other elements as well.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci met with the Ambassadors of France, Poland and Slovakia

No statements were released to the press before or after the meetings.

[04] Ozersay claimed that the Cyprus settlement is not in the agenda of the Greek Cypriot side

Commenting on the issue that it may be a quick Cyprus settlement, Ozersay said that it is more important how the solution will be than whether it is quick or not. He stressed that both sides should be able to assimilate the solution. Ozersay further said: "Behind the solution, there should be a formation of serious trust. Both sides have different needs for the solution and this issue is very important". Ozersay also added that the lack of trust between the two sides is reflected at the negotiations.

Referring to the guarantees issue, Ozersay said: "If the Turkish Cypriot side does not touch the guarantee issue, then the opposite site should also continue in the same way on the issue. It is important what the Turkish Cypriot side thinks and wants. Of course, the Greek Cypriot side would have submitted the guarantee issue at the negotiating table, but it is not an issue that the Turkish Cypriot side stresses."

Ozersay reiterated that he did not promise that he will establish a political party, adding that parties should serve the community interest and not the personal one.

(DPs)

[05] Arabacioglu: In case of a solution, the 60% of the population will be displaced

Noting that the two leaders live a honeymoon period at this moment, Arabacioglu said that the atmosphere of peace will not be able to solve the Cyprus problem. Reminding reportedly Anastasiades' statement that by saying yes to the Annan plan they will Hellenise the "north Cyprus" again, Arabacioglu said that with such mentality how will be an agreement.

(DPs)

[06] Dincyurek delivered a speech at OIC FM's meeting; He called the OIC's member states to carry out investments in the "TRNC" and lift the so-called isolations

Delivering a speech during the meeting, Dincyurek stated that the Turkish Cypriot side remained committed to result-oriented and substantive negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of the February 11th Joint Declaration Agreement.

Dincyurek added that the Turkish Cypriot side also sincerely believes that a solution in Cyprus supported by Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) is possible to be reached before the end of 2015.

Calling on the OIC member countries to increase their support for the Turkish Cypriots, Dincyurek underlined the need for concrete steps to be taken to end the "unjust isolation" implemented towards the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Dincyurek called further the OIC member countries to evaluate the potential opportunities and cooperate with the "TRNC" in several fields such as trade, tourism and higher education. He added that they will welcome any decision to be taken related with the inclusion of the "TRNC universities" among the higher education choices of youth of the OIC member states.

Drawing attention to the various investment opportunities and choices in the "TRNC", Dincyurek said: "we have a wide range of investment opportunities in our country and we encourage foreign investments. I would like to invite all of you to visit the TRNC and to personally examine the various investment opportunities we offer".

(AK)

[07] Talat: "The Turkish Aid delegation should be closed"

Speaking at a television programme at Turkish Cypriot private channel Ada TV, Talat evaluated the Cyprus talks and the restructuring of the CTP. Referring to the issue of the "Turkish Aid delegation", Talat supported the statement of Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party, made during his press conference ahead of his resignation from his post as "deputy prime minister". Talat agreed with Denktas that as long as the delegation exists several implementations are restricted. He also added that policies are determined there and this is wrong.

Commenting on the issue of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and the opening of new crossing points, Talat said that the opening of new crossing points should not get ahead of the comprehensive solution. He added that these issues carry the risk of decreasing the need for a solution.

Evaluating the issue of the maps showing the location of landmines in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Talat claimed that the map given to the Turkish Cypriot side is proven to be a false issue. He added that the people, who did their military service there, had already cleaned these territories.

Talat further said that Akinci's team are friends who know very well the Cyprus problem, adding that they will support them. He reiterated that if Akinci wants to benefit from himself, he is ready to provide any kind of help.

(DPs)

[08] Turkish Cypriot columnist replies to Erdogan on the issue of the guarantees in Cyprus

"This is much more realistic, because Cyprus, the Cypriots and the State of the Republic of Cyprus suffered everything which it suffered after 1960 because of the three guarantors: Turkey, Britain and Greece. They are the ones who are pouring out on us the mess which we still cannot clean. [?] They dynamited the 1960 Republic of Cyprus by using in the worst manner the rights and powers given to them by the Treaty of Guarantees.

They are the ones who plotted the 21 December 1963! Who organized the coup against the Republic of Cyprus? The fascist junta of guarantor Greece!

Who showed as an excuse this coup, interfered militarily in Cyprus and occupied half of the island? Guarantor Turkey! Who distributed the property of the Greek Cypriots, whom he sent away, to the population he brought and settle from Turkey? Guarantor Turkey! Who boasts of changing all the international balances without withdrawing a single soldier, without giving a handful of land? Guarantor Turkey! Who does not recognize and ignores the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized by the entire world? Guarantor Turkey! And finally who remained only a spectator to all these disgraces, to these illegal fait accompli, who said nothing against the island's being divided in two, like a watermelon, by Turkey with the use of force of weapons and with costing the lives of thousands of people and [who said nothing] to the establishment of an illegal state dependent on Turkey and therefore who became an accomplice to the war and the crime against humanity that caused bloodshed on the island? Guarantor Britain! [?]

If now the Greek Cypriot side wants the dissolution of the system of guarantees and says that it has bankrupted, it is absolutely right. This is the reasonable and rational thing to do.

Let us now return to the beginning and to the pearls said by Erdogan regarding the guarantees. He says that it is definitely not possible for them to accept the EU's guarantees in Cyprus, because the EU has not fulfilled its duty. How, he says, they will trust its justice?

First of all, at this stage the following reality should be put forward in a definite manner. In case a just solution acceptable by both sides is reached, Cyprus will not need and should not need any guarantors after the guarantorship tragedy experienced for 40 years. This is the way to reason and rationality.

'How we will trust EU's guarantees and justice' wonders Erdogan! It is very simple. There should be no [guarantees]. However, if there will necessarily be guarantees, the way your guarantees and justice were trusted in 1960 and this trust paved the way to the occupation and the invasion tragedy you have created, in the same way you will trust the EU's guarantees and justice. Do not be afraid, no worst trouble can happen to this island than the one you have built".

(I/Ts.)

[09] The occupation regime promotes its tourism in Germany

Issuing a written statement on the issue, the "ministry" stated that the promotion days event, is a new strategy followed by the "ministry" which aims to promote the "TRNC's tourism and culture" in the German market and especially in three German towns, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. The "ministry" added that their goal is to attract more tourists in the "TRNC" with charter flights.

According to the paper, the promotion day's event took place on May 18-20 with the participation of more than 200 travel agencies.

The "ministry" said that they are planning to organize the same event in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan as well.

(AK)

[10] The occupation regime implements the e-identity card project

The e-identity project was realized thanks to a protocol signed between the "interior ministry" and the Turkish Ministry for Transportation, Maritime and Communication.

(?)

[11] Piri interviewed by Daily Sabah: "Reaching a permanent solution in Cyprus peace talks will aid Turkey's EU bid"

In an exclusive interview to Daily Sabah on Wednesday in Ankara during her visit to Turkey, Piri referred to her decision to postpone the vote at the EP on approving Turkey's report and explained that there was a lack of time for the political groups in the EP to discuss it. "My role as Rapporteur is to represent the majority of the EP. After I presented my report in January, I spent four months with the representatives of the other political groups arriving at a common position before we put it to a vote in the Foreign Affairs Committee. The vote was widely adopted ? there were only five votes against, 47 in favor. There was a clear position there. It took only one week for the pioneering debate when all 751 members voted on it," Piri said.

"And it presents another opportunity for members and groups to make amendments. Thirteen members were handed in and, actually, there was not enough time to talk with the other political groups to come again to a common understanding before the vote," she added.

(?)

Pointing out that she, as the Rapporteur, is always a supporter of opening Chapter 22 and Chapter 23 in the negotiation process between Turkey and the EU, Piri stressed the importance of being constructive in the accession process and added: "I believe that there is a clear willingness from the Turkish government, which has said that it wants to get these opening benchmarks and open these chapters. There is some concern from the EP on these issues. The logical step would be to open these chapters. This is the call from the European Commission."

Concerning the Cyprus issue as a block to Turkey's EU bid, she praised the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader for his agenda of wanting to come to a settlement and said: "I very much hope that on this issue on Cyprus, this decades-long division of the island, positive steps can be taken here, and I think there is a good window of opportunity. It will also in the end help Turkey's EU accession process."

(?)

[12] Countdown starts for Turkey's June 7th general elections

Nearly 56 million Turkish citizens will be eligible to vote on June 7 to choose 550 lawmakers into the Turkish Grand National Assembly, representing 85 constituencies in 81 provinces.

Twenty parties will compete in the elections, including the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), along with 165 independent candidates who will seek votes across Turkey.

The voting will start nationwide at 08:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) and finish at 05:00 p.m. (1500 GMT). Turkish nationals living abroad will be able to cast their votes between May 8 and May 31.

Campaign restrictions began on Thursday, 10 days before the elections and will end on June 6.

(?)

The ruling Justice and Development or AK Party, which has been in power over a decade, will seek to remain at the helm with a single-party government.

(?)The AK Party will need at least 330 seats to be able to take either the presidential system or the new constitution to a referendum. It currently has 312, having won over 49% of the votes in the 2011 general election.

The issue of a potential presidential system has been a hot topic in Turkey for the past few months. A constitutional amendment or a new constitution would be needed to establish such an executive presidential system.

Turkey's current constitution was drafted two years after a military takeover in 1980 and numerous amendments have been made to it since then.

Meanwhile, among the highlights of this year's election is the question of whether the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) will be able to gain seats in the Parliament.

If the party passes the 10% electoral threshold, it will be able to win at least 50 to 60 seats, which will be seats lost mostly for the ruling party due to the nature of the election system, therefore making coalition a possibility.

It is the first time that the HDP, following a traditional pro-Kurdish stance but reaching out with an emphasis on rights and freedoms, enters the elections as a party rather than independent candidates.

(?)

[13] Turkey's opposition parties rule out coalition scenarios with AKP

While the leaders of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) both said in separate televised interviews that they had no intention of forming a coalition government with the AKP, the head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) previously told the Hurriyet Daily News that the MHP is not in favor of a coalition.

Speaking live on private broadcaster CNN Turk on Wednesday, the People's Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtas said that his party did not aim to form or support a coalition with the AKP. "Don't worry, Turkey will not be left without a government. The CHP's senior figures said that they could form a coalition with the AKP. But we do not aim to form a coalition with the AKP or support it from outside. We want to be a strong opposition", Demirtas said.

Speaking also in a private interview broadcast by NTV on Wednesday, the chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu was asked the same question as Demirtas. He responded by saying that the CHP could never come together with a party that was involved in corruption. "How could you form a coalition with a party that has made corruption its slogan? What will I say to those who ask me how I joined together with them? We have fought against corruption for all our lives, so how will we come together with people who are corrupt", Kilicdaroglu replied.

Meanwhile, in statements to Hurriyet Daily News on May 14, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) head Devlet Bahceli said that he was against coalitions and aimed to secure power as a single party. "Turkey has a tradition of coalitions. But unfortunately coalitions failed to deliver much to people, and they were not long-lasting either. We do not favor a coalition. We aim to establish our own government," Bahceli said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/ AM)

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