Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-07-17

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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] Junker meets representatives of Turkish Cypriot political parties; Statements by Akinci and Junker

[02] Sucuoglu: The views of UBP and CTP on the Cyprus problem are very close

[03] Emine Colak will contribute to the efforts for peace in Cyprus as the new "foreign minister"

[04] Mungan said that he turned the "state budget" into a "surplus budget"

[05] Erk said that he is uncomfortable with the presence of a "fascist" in the government

[06] Davutoglu: AKP supporters lean towards MHP partnership; Deputy PM: Coalition talks between AKP and CHP at more advanced stage

[07] Turkey expects $100m from near-bankrupt Greece after arbitration court case

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Junker meets representatives of Turkish Cypriot political parties; Statements by Akinci and Junker

In statements after the meetings, Akinci described both of them as "very productive". Referring to the Cyprus problem, Akinci said that progress has been achieved in the negotiations and if the same determination continues, finding a solution will be possible within months. He noted that the EU cannot replace the UN and that the process is and will continue to be a UN-led one. On the other hand, he added that they will be glad to have the assistance of the EU and the inclusion of an EU official in the process as regards the technical matters.

Akinci said that they have discussed with Junker the issue of the preparation of the Turkish Cypriots for the period after the solution and for joining the EU. He further referred to the importance of increasing the relations of the Turkish Cypriots with the EU within this framework and of their harmonization with the EU rules and the acquis. Akinci said that they expect the EU to show understanding and provide the necessary support for the preparation of the Turkish Cypriots. Noting that he is certain that the Turkish Cypriots will enter into the EU, Akinci added that even if they remain outside the Union, the Turkish Cypriots are Europeans and believe in the European principles and respect the European values.

Pointing out to the importance of balancing the European values with the principles of a bi-zonal, bi-communal structure, Akinci argued that on the one hand the European values and rules exist and on the other the principle of bi-zonality and bi-communality should be respected. He underlined the importance of having derogations in the solution as regards this issue and the harmonization with the acquis. He claimed that the agreement which will be reached should not have legal deficiencies and no one should be able to take it to court. "We want a legally definite agreement and this agreement to become a part of the EU law", he added.

Meanwhile, Junker said after meeting the two leaders that he is very optimistic that a solution will be reached in Cyprus and added that the Cypriots should leave the past behind because they have two leaders who look at the future. He noted that after "tough" negotiations during the joint lunch he had with the two leaders, they reached a common understanding as regards the geographical protection of halloumi/ hellim cheese under the EU rules. He also said that he has reappointed Pieter Van Nuffel as his personal special representative for the Cyprus problem.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Sucuoglu: The views of UBP and CTP on the Cyprus problem are very close

"[?] Different voices will of course exist, but especially on the Cyprus issue it has come up that there are really very close views. You know the 11 February document. This was something supported by the UBP and signed by Mr Dervis Eroglu and Anastasiades. The issue of what is being discussed now is not very transparent. We are somehow receiving information from southern Cyprus [?] However, they say that we, as the two negotiating delegations, have agreed on the condition of secrecy. Like it always happens, our southern neighbor does not comply with this and therefore the information published in the press is conveyed to us. Of course, these are issues which the two parties will sit and discuss within the following days. [?] It seems that no problem exists for the time being. Especially on the Cyprus issue, both parties are taking as basis the 11 February decisions. No difficulty seems to exist at this stage on this issue. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Emine Colak will contribute to the efforts for peace in Cyprus as the new "foreign minister"

Ulucay wished Colak success in her new duty while handing over the duty.

In her speech at the ceremony, Colak said that in her duty at the "foreign ministry", which plays an important role in the Cyprus talks, she will try to be active in order for the Cyprus problem to reach a solution.

(DPs)

[04] Mungan said that he turned the "state budget" into a "surplus budget"

During the handing over ceremony, Mungan wished Basoglu success in his new duty, adding that he brought the treasury to a better point than what it was when he took over two years ago. He explained that they inherited a deficit of 19 million TL, and they left a surplus budget.

In a written statement, Mungan said that the results of the overall performance budget during January-May 2013 were as follows:

Revenue: 1.161.941.746,54 TL

Expenses: 1.227.720.892,60 TL

Deficit: -65.779.146,06

The treasury accruing and cash situation on June 14, 2013 was as follows:

Current cash: 40.250.000,97 TL

Current liability: 60.1000417,37 TL

Deficit: -19.850.416,40 TL

The results of the overall performance budget during January-May 2015 were the following:

Revenue: 1.674.311.643,22 TL

Expenses: 1.634.923.909,82 TL

Surplus: 39.387.733,40 TL

The treasury accruing and cash situation on July 10, 2015 was as follows:

Current cash: 91.467.987,45 TL

Current liability: 84.010.734,10 TL

Surplus: 7.457.253,55 TL

(DPs)

[05] Erk said that he is uncomfortable with the presence of a "fascist" in the government

Erk had previously called "deputy" of UBP and now self-styled transport minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu a "fascist". He added that if this "government" is going to be successful, he will be happy with that.

Erk said that he is not one of those who believed the party had to stay in power; he said this coalition is a problem for him but it is better than being 'sentenced' to the DP party. Erk added that the party they held accountable is now their coalition partner; accountability is now 'on holiday' he said.

Erk said they needed to be careful as the economy driving ministries are not in the CTP hands; for example the "transport ministry". The tenders' process is a risky issue he added.

[06] Davutoglu: AKP supporters lean towards MHP partnership; Deputy PM: Coalition talks between AKP and CHP at more advanced stage

In a late night interview with private news channel NTV, Davutoglu said: "There has been more of a tendency towards the MHP; they have no strong reaction against the CHP but not much inclination towards the HDP".

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah (online, 17.07.15) reports that Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan said that the AKP is currently at a more advanced stage with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on a possible coalition partnership.

"After the first round of coalition talks, comparing with the other two parties' attitudes, CHP is more likely to be in a potential coalition partnership." Akdogan told broadcaster 24 on Thursday, adding that AKP will proceed into the second round and the negotiations have not started yet with any political parties.

Pointing out that the statements from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the MHP did not show any desire to be a part of the coalition government; Akdogan said that CHP have been more open on showing its intentions.

[07] Turkey expects $100m from near-bankrupt Greece after arbitration court case

Yildiz said that he would like to give some news, which was good for Turkey but bad for Greece. He said that the arbitration case between Turkey's state-owned energy company BOTAS and Greece's Energy Company DEPA ended in Paris on Wednesday and that the court of arbitration ruled in favour of Turkey.

From now on, BOTAS and DEPA authorities will figure out a formula among themselves, said Yildiz, adding that the decision, which was in favour of Turkey, would also be announced in figures, which would be around $100 million. "Although we would like to help Greece in this difficult situation it is facing, we have to prioritize our citizens' and country's interests and our duty is to protect these interests."

After the figures are calculated and announced, we will present the issue to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, said Yildiz. He noted that they would follow the upcoming developments on this matter and that he wanted to share this good news with Turkey before the Ramadan Festival.

Turkey had taken Greece to the court of arbitration in Switzerland for a $300 million debt, which DEPA owed to BOTAS from an agreement that was signed in 2007 and that started in 2008, involving the sale of natural gas that Turkey brought from Azerbaijan to Greece. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(DPs/ LF)

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