Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-06-24

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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: Cyprus talks is a UN-led process; the EU cannot replace the UN

[02] Akinci met with Ambassadors

[03] Ozgurgun accused President Anastasiades of blowing up the positive atmosphere

[04] Derinya crossing point could open before the Apliki crossing point

[05] Toros: The use of mobile phones in the entire island will start in the beginning of July

[06] Toros: The Greek Cypriots do not see Turkey as a threat, but as an opportunity

[07] Koenig paid farewell visit to the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

[08] Ali Erel: The participation of the EU to the Cyprus talks is inevitable

[09] CTP is preparing the "coalition draft"; It is expected to launch "unofficial contacts for "coalition" next week

[10] KTOS' education secretary said that they have been using the Greek Cypriot schools since 1974

[11] CTP "deputy" criticized the Turkish Republic aid delegation

[12] The results of breakaway regime's banking sector for the first quarter of 2015 were announced

[13] Speaker election first mission for the Turkish Parliament

[14] No changes if an early poll was to be held.

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Cyprus talks is a UN-led process; the EU cannot replace the UN

In a meeting with a delegation from the Socialist Democrat Party (SDP) headed by its leader Tozun Tunali, Akinci said that they are at an important stage, where the substantive talks are going to start and added: "We are going through an important process. This process is a process that will be carried out together with the community".

Referring to various speculative reports that are published from time to time, mainly in the Greek Cypriot press, Akinci said that these are exaggerated reports on how the EU will interfere at the Cyprus talks. Akinci explained that when there is a Cyprus settlement, one thing that they wish and desire is that North Cyprus will also become a part of the EU acquis communautaire, adding that an EU representative has been present since the past in Cyprus and that they have agreed to exchange views regarding some problems while the Cyprus talks are processing.

Akinci noted that the Cyprus talks are a UN-led process and there is no question of replacing the UN with the EU. It has never been in the agenda, he added.

Commenting on the amendments of the "political parties' law", which was approved by the "TRNC assembly" on Monday, Akinci said that he will be evaluating the "law" within the framework of the "constitution" and give his decision as soon as possible.

Noting that the %5 threshold in elections is widely accepted as democratic practice in many countries, he said there is no big reaction on this issue.

Tunali, for his part, wished success to the difficult duty of Akinci and expressed his party support to the Cyprus talks.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 24.06.15) broadcast that Akinci, evaluating the ongoing Cyprus talks at the meeting, said there are steps taken as part of the confidence building measures and reminded that he will be holding his 4th meeting with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on Monday. He added: "Until now, we had a scanning and review process to see where we stand because these wasn't done for a long time. There was a process where different proposals were shuttled back and forth. Now, we are preparing documents which outline areas where we have agreement and where there is a need for more convergence." These are about to be finalized. The negotiators met again on Tuesday. This process will be fully completed before Monday's meeting".

(DPs)

[02] Akinci met with Ambassadors

The latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process was discussed during the meetings which were closed to the press.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (24.06.15) reports that following his meeting with Akinci, the Brazilian Ambassador stated to Kibris that Cyprus in entering a very special period and that it is a privilege that he is serving at the island at this period.

[03] Ozgurgun accused President Anastasiades of blowing up the positive atmosphere

Evaluating President Anastasiades' latest statements to CNN Turk and Hurriyet newspaper, Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo has presented first as a precondition the issue of guarantor ship and afterwards the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the island. "This is a new version of the very well-known Greek Cypriot-Greek game", Ozgurgun said.

Ozgurgun alleged that there was no positive development during the past half century towards the Greek Cypriot side's stance on the Cyprus problem and added that the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) announced by the two leaders as well as the reciprocal visits by the leaders, have been blown up with the latest careless statements made by Anastasiades.

Ozgurgun accused Anastasiades for showing a pseudo-heroism attitude and for insincerity since it considers Turkey as his only interlocutor.

Ozgurgun stated also that undoubtedly the UBP party will always remind Anastasiades and those who think like him that no single Turkish soldier will leave the island before any solution is found, that the Turkish Cypriots will never give up from the Turkish guarantees in the island and that the "citizenship" of all those who voted at the Annan plan referendum and who are "citizens" of these lands, will be protected.

(AK)

[04] Derinya crossing point could open before the Apliki crossing point

Speaking on BRT, Ulucay provided information on the opening of the two new crossing points in line with a decision taken by the two Cypriot leaders last month.

Pointing out that work to both crossing points are continuing full speed, Ulucay said that work on technical infrastructure had been launched in Derinya. "The relevant technical committee assigned to work on the crossing points will be meeting tomorrow to discuss technical and infrastructural aspects of the crossing points. We have completed preparations for the speedy completion of infrastructures in the two areas. However it seems that it will take longer to complete infrastructural work at Apliki" he said.

Ulucay added that the current planning at Apliki was wide enough to allow two cars to pass at the same time and that there might be a need to clear mines in the area if the crossing is to be widened. "We want to open the two crossing points as soon as possible" he said, adding that work on the course of the road in Derinya was still continuing.

Ulucay said that it was more likely that the Derinya crossing point would open first due to the convenience of the landscape as well as the existence of certain roads.

He also provided information about the single entrance and exit system they were planning for the crossing points. "We are planning to introduce the single entry and exit crossing point. This means that there will be only one control booth which will serve both those exiting the TRNC from one side and those entering the TRNC on the other side. The reason why we resorted to such a method is to lower spending on technical infrastructure and to cut down on personnel costs" he said.

[05] Toros: The use of mobile phones in the entire island will start in the beginning of July

In statements during visiting the premises of Havadis yesterday, Toros explained how the system will work and said: "First a message will be seen on the screen of the user. It will say that 'you have entered into the field of this or that operator, do you want to connect?' This will be optional. You will press the 'yes' or the 'no' button. After you are connected, you will be able to use your telephone using the network of the operator to which you have been connected".

"We will clarify this issue after completing some legal procedures", he explained adding that the operators in the occupied area of Cyprus will continue to use the "90" international code, because the issue of not using this code could come onto the agenda only in a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said that there will be an interconnection between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriot operators without any line or physical connection.

Toros noted that a great progress has been also achieved on the issue of the connection of the electricity networks, adding that the chairmen of the two networks met and are currently carrying out the necessary technical preparations. "According to information I acquired yesterday, the preparations are at the final stage", he said.

Pointing out that problems exist as regards the marketing of the imported goods all over the island, Toros noted that in order to solve this problem they have developed some projects such as the opening of a joint market place in the buffer zone. He said that they have taken the necessary political permission for doing this and added that this project will come onto the agenda within the forthcoming weeks.

Furthermore, Toros said that the obstacle on the issue of commercial vehicles from the occupied area of the island crossing over to the government ? controlled area is at the point of partially being lifted. He added: "We have initiatives for the heavy tonnage vehicles passing to the south and we hope that they will be positively concluded, but we could not achieve any progress as regards the vehicles carrying passengers, because of the political pressure in the south".

Moreover, Toros argued that the Greek Cypriots expect that the water which will be brought from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus with undersea pipelines will give opportunity for an agricultural sector with modern irrigation in the government-controlled area of the island. He said that they have received such a request, explaining that there is no water problem in the government-controlled area but the water is expensive. He noted, however, that this is not an issue which is included in the framework of the cooperation of the two chambers, as it is a political one.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Toros: The Greek Cypriots do not see Turkey as a threat, but as an opportunity

Toros pointed out that the Greek Cypriot business circles also believe that the solution of the Cyprus problem will create a good climate economically and argued: "The Greek Cypriots do not see Turkey as a threat anymore; they see it as an opportunity".

He noted that they are holding "very intensive backstage activities at the level of the state" in the government-controlled area of Cyprus and argued that the Greek Cypriots see positively the implementation of the acquis communautaire in the occupied area of the island.

He added: "We are expecting a dynamic process both internally and externally within the forthcoming days. We are closely interested in the negotiating process as well as in the efforts and the developments regarding the establishment of a government in Turkey and in north Cyprus".

Toros said that important steps will be taken on the issue of confidence building measures in the negotiations and added that their chamber is actively involved in the process together with their Greek Cypriot interlocutors.

Referring to the economic situation in the occupied area of Cyprus, Toros said that all the programs implemented until today did not solve the problems.

"All programs had only the effect of an aspirin. The tumor remained in its place. The everyday headache was cured", he noted adding that the economic programs caused conflict between different parts of the society and this is why they want to undertake a role in the preparation of new programs. He said that they want the establishment of a new "government" in the occupied area of Cyprus the soonest.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Koenig paid farewell visit to the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

In this framework, Koenig met with the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce president Fikri Toros. According to a statement from the Chamber, Koenig thanked Toros for his cooperation and noted that he was pleased to have worked in collaboration with the Chamber during his tenure. Toros thanked the Ambassador "for his positive contributions to the Turkish Cypriot side and his impartial positions".

[08] Ali Erel: The participation of the EU to the Cyprus talks is inevitable

Erel, evaluating to the paper the latest developments in the Cyprus talks, said that the sides will accept a solution based on the EU values and added: "The one, who excludes this, is Turkey's policy which does not accept it. The Republic of Cyprus, Britain, and Greece want the interference of the EU. Turkey has not accepted yet the interference of the EU".

Referring to the statement of the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami that not even the EU itself can implement the direct trader regulation, Erel said that these are just excuses and added: "These are efforts, which derive from Turkey and exclude the EU. Turkey's approach influences our negotiating team, the negotiators and the president (translator's note: the Turkish Cypriot leader). Unfortunately the Turkish Cypriot side has nothing to say. Turkey speaks on this issue on behalf of us."

Reminding Turkey's President Erdogan's statement that Turkey will not accept the interference of the EU to the Cyprus talks, Erel said that the European Parliamenthas given a clear message and put it in a clear way in its report that any Cyprus settlement should be within the EU values.

(DPs)

[09] CTP is preparing the "coalition draft"; It is expected to launch "unofficial contacts for "coalition" next week

According to the paper, CTP's aim is to complete the "coalition draft" by the week-end and to launch unofficial "coalition contacts" at the beginning of next week.

According to information acquired by the paper, the "current government's plans" is to continue the unofficial protocol contacts for some period and afterwards to submit to the "president" its resignation.

CTP-United Forces will launch unofficial contacts on Tuesday and is expected to carry out meetings with the National Unity Party (UBP) the Democratic Party (DP) and the Communal Democracy Party (TDP).

(AK)

[10] KTOS' education secretary said that they have been using the Greek Cypriot schools since 1974

In a written statement issued yesterday, Mavis said that the "ministry of national education" is responsible and sets priorities in order to resolve schools' needs in technology and substructure. He accused the "ministry of education" of avoiding its responsibility since 1974 regarding the "public schools" and that it spends the 75% of its budget to special schools and "universities" and not to the "public schools", which it should be its priority. Mavis explained: "As we could not do the necessary changes while we have been using the school buildings that we found ready from the Greek Cypriots after the forced immigration in 1974, we were idle for nearby 80 elementary schools in villages, which have been closed. The number of the new schools, which were built in the north after the division of the island (translator's note: after the Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 1974) are not more than the fingers of one hand".

(DPs)

[11] CTP "deputy" criticized the Turkish Republic aid delegation

"If they are intervening with our affairs by by-passing our institutions, it means they have deviated from their aim" said Sahali.

Speaking during a TV program on Ada TV, Sahali touched upon several issues including the Turkish Aid Delegation and CTP's plan in the next period. Sahali said that following last week's general congress of his party, in which Talat was elected as the party's leader, CTP was working intensively in order to plan next steps. According to Sahali CTP has laid out all the different scenarios for possible coalitions. "If our programs with potential partners will not match up, we are not ambitious to form a government in that case", he argued.

[12] The results of breakaway regime's banking sector for the first quarter of 2015 were announced

In the introduction of the bulletin, the chairman of the "bank", Bilal San said that 22 banks with 222 branches and 2,883 personnel offered their services in the sector, noting that the balance of the sector increased by 3,5% comparing to the previous three months and by 15,52% comparing to the same period of the last year, reaching 15 billion and 349,8 million Turkish liras (TL).

The total deposits increased by 14,47% in one year reaching 12 billion and 258,1 million TL. The gross credits incased by 17,9% becoming nine billion and 969,9 million TL.

The proportion of the gross credits to the total deposits and total assets is 81,33% and 64,95% respectively.

(I/Ts.)

[13] Speaker election first mission for the Turkish Parliament

In line with rules of procedure, the first sitting was chaired by the eldest Deputy, Deniz Baykal of the Republican People's Party (CHP), who has been tipped to run for the job permanently. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also attended the opening of the ceremony.

Those who want to run for the number two position of the Turkish state have until midnight on June 27 to apply.

Parliament's Board of Spokespersons did not lose time in setting the calendar for the election of the parliamentary Speaker. According to a decision made by the board on June 23, while the oath-taking ceremony was still continuing, the first and the second rounds will take place on June 30. The third and fourth rounds, if necessary, will be held the following day.

The Speaker is elected by secret ballot. Contenders have to reach a two-thirds majority in the first two rounds, while an absolute majority is sufficient in the third round of voting. None of the four political parties have a simple majority and in the highly likely case that an absolute majority is not obtained on the third ballot, a fourth ballot will take place between the two candidates who obtain the most votes. In the fourth ballot, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be elected as Speaker. In such an event, a candidate from the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has the highest number of seats, will be elected if the three other parties cannot compromise and agree on a name.

President Erdogan also attended the ceremony. But his entry to Parliament was marked by the collective silent protest of all CHP, MHP and HDP Deputies who, unlike their AK Party counterparts, chose to register their lack of respect for him by refusing to stand and applaud his entrance.

The paper writes that in past coalition governments, the prime ministry post was allocated to the major partner in the coalition, while the parliament Speaker was elected from among Deputies of the minor partner. However, Erdogan still hasn't given the mandate to form the government to the Justice and Development (AKP), which lost its parliamentary majority but still holds the highest number of Deputies. This situation has complicated the process of nominating and electing the next parliamentary Speaker.

Because of such ambiguity, and with Erdogan having already made clear he would give the mandate only after the Speaker is elected, the election of the Speaker is expected to be completed in the fourth round, giving the parties more time to bargain on a coalition government. This could also grant them an opportunity to build a bloc behind the candidate they favor.

[14] No changes if an early poll was to be held.

"The public stands very firmly behind the decision it gave on June 7; it does not regret the votes it casted," said Sencar, adding that the current elections results would not change in the case of an early election.

He said according to a recent survey conducted after the election, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) would receive 41.6 %, the Republican People's Party (CHP) 25.1 %, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 16.2 % and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) 12.9 % if snap polls were to be held.

According to the official results announced on June 18 by the Supreme Election Board (YSK), the AKP received 40.66 % of the total, the CHP won 25.13 %, the MHP won 16.45 % and the HDP won 12.96 %.

Accordingly, the AKP has 258 seats in the 550-seat parliament and the CHP has 132, while the MHP and the HDP will have 80 seats apiece. The AKP, therefore, failed to secure the majority in the 550-seat parliament required to rule alone.

In its latest polls done before the June 7 elections, Metropoll predicted the results to be 41 % for the AKP, 27.2 % for the CHP, 16 % for the MHP and 11.5 % for the HDP.

Answering a question on what the public wanted as a coalition, Sencar said the highest possibility was the AKP-MHP coalition as this option received 22.8 % of the surveyed vote, though this did not mean that the country had a specific coalition model in mind.

"There is no one coalition model that suits the public's ideas. Therefore, any coalition model, given that it is told to the public truly and convincingly, can get the support of the public," said Sencar, adding that there was 20 % support for the CHP-MHP-HDP model and only 8 % for a AKP-CHP possibility. What voters are saying is that parties should agree among themselves and form a coalition government, says Sencar. Evaluating President Erdogan's rallies before the election under the title "meeting with the people," Sencar said the public had not approved of this action: Some 61 % surveyed said they were negatively affected by these rallies, whilst 25 % of the AKP voters also voiced this opinion. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(CS/ AM)

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