Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-06-15

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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 so-called ministry of interior revealed the damage of the fire in Varosha

[02] Akinci: "We need to stop seeing each other as enemies and start seeing each other as partners"

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily describes the fire in the fenced off occupied city of Varosha as a "blow to Akinci"

[04] Turkey's MFA responded to President Anastasiades' statements

[05] The "TRNC's foreign ministry" objected to the EP's Progress Report and the references on the Cyprus problem

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Turkey is the key of the solution in Cyprus

[07] CTP-BG held its 25th general congress; Talat elected in the party's leadership

[08] Burcu: "The date and venue of the culture event of Anastasiades-Akinci has not yet been identified"

[09] The occupation regime's "new economic grant program" announced

[10] Stone quarries are fading away Pentadaktylos Mountain

[11] A research on kidney's disease history among the Turkish Cypriots was presented at a congress in London

[12] Erdogan met with Putin in Baku; Energy issues, the Syria crisis and other international issues were discussed

[13] Turkish parties leaders refused to respond to Erdogan's call prior to government's forming

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The so-called ministry of interior revealed the damage of the fire in Varosha

In a statement to illegal TAK news agency, the "ministry" said that the fire destroyed an area of 1000m wide and 600m long. Dry grass and weeds as well as a number of trees were burnt down in this area.

Also in the area were 28 unused houses, 5 apartments and 2 semi-finished apartment blocks which were not affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

The "presidential undersecretary" Gurdal Hudaoglu who was at the scene following developments closely, said that the fire mainly burned wild shrub and damaged several derelict buildings in the area.

The fire broke out shortly after noon and spread quickly due to strong winds. The fire was putted under control on Friday at around 8pm with the help of two water-dropping helicopters from the British military bases as well as a fire fighting plane which arrived from Turkey.

[02] Akinci: "We need to stop seeing each other as enemies and start seeing each other as partners"

"I do not want to fuel any speculations as I have yet to receive any information as to how the fire started. There might be different views as to how the fire broke out. The important thing is for the truth to come out" Akinci said in response to various claims in social media and newspapers that the fire had been started deliberately.

Ak?nc? said that he had followed developments closely with his staff from the very beginning and had been in contact with the "chief of police" throughout the whole incident.

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side had offered assistance to help put out the fire, Ak?nc? said: "Of course we shall resort to our means to put out such fires. But let me be clear that if needed we would have without hesitation asked for help from the UN and the Greek Cypriot side. Let me all remind you that from the very first day of my election, I have upheld the view that the other side is not our enemy but our partners for a common future".

Ak?nc? said that for years both sides had evolved through a culture of mistrust and conflict. "Our culture to assist each other has not developed enough. We need to change the way we look at things. They (Greek Cypriots) too are hesitating to accept help when experiencing such incidents. This needs to change. We need to stop seeing each other as enemies and start seeing each other as partners. These are my views but I believe it will take time to see things change in practice. At this point the important thing is that the fire was put out before it led to a disaster", he said.

Ak?nc? had given instructions for assistance to be sought from the Greek Cypriot side, the British bases, and the United Nations, if Turkish Cypriot firefighting teams could not cope.

[03] Turkish Cypriot daily describes the fire in the fenced off occupied city of Varosha as a "blow to Akinci"

The paper writes that in spite of the fact that the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have not rejected Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's proposal for help in extinguishing the fire, no help was asked from the Republic of Cyprus and the regime's authorities applied to Turkey once more. According to Akinci's "national security adviser", retired colonel Halil Sadrazam, the proposal for help from the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus was rejected by the self-styled government of the breakaway regime.

According to Afrika, Sadrazam expressed the belief that "those who, in spite of Mr Akinci's warning, rejected the fire extinguishing teams of south Cyprus which were ready to help considering the fire as a natural disaster, have committed a mistake".

The paper notes that Sadrazam turns a blind eye to the line drawn by the army General, ignores the goal scored by the General and "thaws the ball" to the "government" and the "state".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Turkey's MFA responded to President Anastasiades' statements

"The statements of the Greek Cypriot Administration leader Nikos Anastasiades, which appeared in Turkish media on 12 June 2015, that tried to link the negotiation process for a comprehensive settlement on the island with the efforts to form a government in Turkey, are astonishing.

The GCA leader should first and foremost utilize the available opportunity for the settlement and focus his efforts on concluding the negotiations carried out within the framework of the Good Offices Mission of the UN Secretary General together with the President of TRNC Mr Mustafa Ak?nc?.

We consider it a deliberate tactical ploy to question Turkey's commitment to the goal of a fair, lasting and viable solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the political equality of the two sides and the new partnership to be formed by the two equal Constituent States, the general framework of which was set forth in the Joint Statement agreed on 11 February 2014 by the two leaders in Cyprus. Turkey has a long State tradition; it has always scrupulously fulfilled the requirements of its international commitments and will continue to do so.

In this context, Turkey wishes that a comprehensive and viable settlement is reached in Cyprus as soon as possible and the island of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean becomes an area of peace, stability and cooperation. Turkey maintains its support to the efforts exerted in this direction as it has always been the case".

[05] The "TRNC's foreign ministry" objected to the EP's Progress Report and the references on the Cyprus problem

The statement reads the following: "It is amply clear that the calls and the false allegations put forth in the Cyprus paragraphs of the Report negate the prevailing positive atmosphere on the island. Besides, many of the assessments contained in the Report are not acceptable.

We noted the positive expressions regarding the strong support towards the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the hope that the election of Mr Mustafa Ak?nc? as President will open a new window of opportunity in the negotiation process. However, it is crucial to remind all parties concerned that support of the European Union to the negotiation process must be fair and balanced for a fruitful progress. Bearing in mind that the maintenance of the positive atmosphere created by the new session of talks on the Island is extremely important, it is necessary to underline that the support and positive calls of the relevant international actors interested in the Cyprus problem will greatly contribute to the conclusion of the negotiation process with a comprehensive settlement.

We expect that the European Union refrains from taking positions unilaterally on platforms where the Turkish Cypriot side is not represented. Instead of engaging in such negative moves which do not contribute to the resolution of the Cyprus issue, the European Union should take constructive steps in a way to encourage both leaders for the ongoing negotiation process. We, once more reiterate the demand of the Turkish Cypriots for the right of representation at the European Union".

[06] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Turkey is the key of the solution in Cyprus

"It is naivety to believe that Turkey 'wants a solution' by saying that 'Turkey wants a solution'. The Cyprus problem can be solved by 'convincing' or 'satisfying' Turkey. How can Turkey be convinced? This is something you will know! This is what I have been and I am trying to say from the very beginning. You may have established an 'authority' in the TRNC or in the Turkish side of Cyprus. You clean the roads, you rip off the weed. You may do jobs similar to these. You may even sit at the negotiating table. However, 'you cannot talk'. Please, let us not deceive each other. [?]

If we want a solution, the first thing we should do is to declare this to the whole world 'on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot community'. How? You will go to New York through Larnaka under very strict security measures, since you cannot go with the THY. You will declare your will for a solution at the UN General Assembly. Who will provide your security until you deliver this speech, though? You should eat or drink nothing until that moment. I do not know, have I made myself clear? Or tomorrow morning you will say 'I resigned from the TRNC presidency, my real capacity is 'leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, I am ready to sign the agreement representing the community'. In short, if doing all these is a dream, which it is, then do not pump anyone with hope in vain. 'If Turkey is not convinced, there will be no solution'. [?] The will of the Turkish Cypriot community goes until a certain point. The municipalities may clean weed, but they cannot even administrate the water. [?]

My dear friends, brothers, solving the Cyprus problem in the line of the UN parameters is tantamount to Turkey losing 99% of the advantages it currently has regarding the island. Let no one deceive me by saying 'Turkey wants a solution my dears! Why should Turkey approve an agreement by which it will lose its army and population on the island as well as its absolute domination over the half of the island? Why it should have [such an agreement] ratified? [?]

I have said it fifty times, but let say it again: Turkey must be convinced, must be satisfied. How it will be convinced? Either with money, or with the gas or with the EU membership or by force. You know! And a last word: The key of the solution is not in Turkey, the key is Turkey!"

(I/Ts.)

[07] CTP-BG held its 25th general congress; Talat elected in the party's leadership

835 delegates out of the 1008 delegates cast their votes on Sunday in order to elect CTP's new leader and renew its party assembly.

Mehmet Ali Talat was elected as the leader of CTP. Talat received 727 votes whilst Oduncuoglu got 93 votes. 15 votes were counted as void.

Speaking after his election, Talat thanked the delegates and said that the party assembly and the central administrative committee must be formed as soon as possible.

"Renewing and rejuvenating the party was top of my list in order to carry the party further", said Talat and added that it was their debt to society to bring faith back to CTP.

[08] Burcu: "The date and venue of the culture event of Anastasiades-Akinci has not yet been identified"

Speaking to illegal TAK news agency, Burcu said that the leaders had agreed to attend an event together in the "north"; however the date, time and venue of the event has not yet been identified and when it is necessary, an announcement would be made.

The Greek Cypriot press had claimed recently that the leaders would be attending a showing of Euripides 'Hippolitos' at the Salamis Antique Theatre on July 8th. However this has not been confirmed.

[09] The occupation regime's "new economic grant program" announced

A total of 13 million Turkish Liras in financial assistance and grants has been allocated to various tourism, industrial and agricultural programs carried out within the framework of a "protocol" signed between the Turkish and the "TRNC" governments in 2010 and technical support provided by the Cukurova Development Agency.

While 4 million TL has been allocated for agricultural and rural development, 4 million TL has been allocated for developing the country's tourism potential and 5 million TL to increase the competitiveness of the "TRNC's economy".

Organizations and businesses will be able to apply for the programs from 7 to 9 of September.

Around 32 million TL in financial assistance and grants were provided for 206 projects between 2012-2014. That amounts to a total of 64 million TL in investments.

Speaking during a meeting at the "prime ministry", so-called prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu underlined the importance of choosing carefully as to whom the financial assistance and grants are given to.

(?)

[10] Stone quarries are fading away Pentadaktylos Mountain

The paper writes that the way the stone quarries are operating are destroying the balance of nature and polluting the environment. It also writes that the area that has been grazed is up to 2 million 651 thousand square meters and that thousands of trees have been cut in the region for the quarries to be able to carry on with their work.

Also, according to Havadis newspaper, there are 16 stone quarries, one of which belongs to the "state" that produce sand and stones, one that produces dry sand, 10 that produce mosaic,2 that produce gypsum, and 7 that produce material for house building.

(CS)

[11] A research on kidney's disease history among the Turkish Cypriots was presented at a congress in London

During the congress, Dr Oygar presented a research on the kidney's disease history among the Turkish Cypriots.

(DPs)

[12] Erdogan met with Putin in Baku; Energy issues, the Syria crisis and other international issues were discussed

Notably absent at Friday's ceremony which cost more than $95 million, were leaders from the European Union.

Erdogan praised the inauguration ceremony at the start of his meeting with Putin and noted that Azerbaijan had invested a considerable sum. However, he criticized the fact that leaders from the European Union did not attend the event, even though the name of the organization is the European Games.

Putin joked in response, telling Erdogan with a smile that Turkey represented the entire EU as a candidate to join the bloc.

(?)

Erdogan was accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Energy Minister Taner Y?ld?z, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kal?n and former Transportation Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m at the meeting with Putin. The Russian leader was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other officials.

Citing presidential sources, the Dogan news agency said that the two delegations discussed bilateral relations and international issues.

Putin and Erdogan stressed that cooperation between the two countries in several sectors, particularly in the field of energy, which should be strengthened and that trade volume should be increased. The situation in Syria, Ukraine and Crimea and that of Crimean Tatars were also discussed, Dogan said.

[13] Turkish parties leaders refused to respond to Erdogan's call prior to government's forming

"We will discuss this issue there," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) head Kemal K?l?cdaroglu briefly responded on June 14 when asked whether he would accept such invitation. Speaking to his inner circle, however, K?l?cdaroglu said he did not find such meeting "appropriate or necessary," sources said.

"Erdogan's intention is also against the Constitution. A President should give the mandate for forming a government. An option for a government comes out of parties represented at parliament. The President's intervention has no meaning," K?l?cdaroglu was quoted by the same sources as saying.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli will make his final decision after consultations with his inner circle, sources said. "We haven't yet made an assessment. Let's see the invitation first, then it would be assessed," MHP Deputy Group Chair Oktay Vural said on June 14. Although personally not warm to the idea of holding such a meeting with Erdogan, Bahceli will still take his inner circle's conviction into consideration.

Neither the CHP nor the MHP recognize the legitimacy of the presidential palace and a June 10 meeting between Erdogan and former CHP leader Deniz Baykal took place at the official Foreign Ministry residence.

Neither co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtas or Figen Yuksekdag, intend to give an affirmative response in the event of such an invitation from Erdogan, according to sources.

En route from Baku to Istanbul on June 13 after attending the opening ceremony of the first European Games in the Azerbaijani capital the previous day, Erdogan said he planned to invite the party leaders to talk with him before Deputies are sworn in at parliament and before granting the mandate to form a new government to the AKP,. According to the paper, this is yet another move contrary to state customs.

In addition, the paper writes that speaking to journalists en route to Istanbul from Baku, Erdogan said that going to the ballot box once again might be inevitable.

"If everything takes place in its natural course and a coalition is formed then there would be no problem," he replied, when asked whether any "surprise" could be expected throughout the first 45 days.

"But if the party that came first in the election cannot achieve [forming a government] and neither can the second one ... then going to the ballot box again as per the constitution would be inevitable. I don't call this a snap election, but a re-run," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AC/ AM)

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