Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-07-21

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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 and Erdogan statements during the press conference following their meeting

[02] Erdogan: Our priority is a comprehensive solution which will secure the political equality and the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot side

[03] Akinci: Greece's and Turkey's strong support is needed for the solution in Cyprus

[04] Various protests held in the occupied area of Cyprus against Erdogan's illegal visit

[05] Davutoglu's message to Akinci

[06] Cavusoglu's message to Akinci

[07] CHP Karayalcin visited Akinci

[08] AKP Deputy Chairman wishes the "TRNC" to be recognized by the world

[09] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Turkey should take determined steps for a solution in Cyprus

[10] Coca-Cola will reportedly open a factory and commence production in the "TRNC"

[11] Suspected ISIS suicide attack leaves 31 dead, 76 injured in Turkey's border town of Suruc

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci and Erdogan statements during the press conference following their meeting

Speaking after the meeting Akinci argued that Turkey supports strongly a federal structure for the Cyprus negotiations and added that Turkey has proved so with its stance both in 2004 and with the Common Statement on February 11, 2014. He also stated that Turkey supports reaching a peaceful solution in Cyprus and that they feel very proud for this. He went on and said that if there was not for the July 15, 1974 coup, the Turkish invasion would have not taken place.

On his part, Erdogan thanked Akinci for the invitation addressed to him to visit the breakaway regime for the invasion celebrations and stated that he agrees with Akinci that the July 20, 1974 invasion was a result of the July 15 coup. He also said that they evaluated the developments of the Cyprus negotiations and called on the two sides in Cyprus to show their determination for the solution. He also expressed the hope that this opportunity for solving the Cyprus problem not to be lost.

Referring to the Annan Plan, Erdogan argued that it created a hope for a solution, but this effort was not completed. He also expressed the hope this time the solution effort to bring results. He said that they are taking this step under the condition that the result will be the two sides in Cyprus to have equality: "I realized that the bureaucrats that are conducting the negotiations are determined and I am very pleased to see this. As a guarantor country we are ready to do everything possible for the solution. As Turkish Cypriot administration and as Republic of Turkey will continue with our efforts as a motherland country and as a daughter country. We will continue our efforts so that the TRNC to become a modern country", Erdogan said.

Referring to the water transfer project, Endogen said that the project will be completed in a couple of months and said that after this things will become easier for the "TRNC".

(CS)

[02] Erdogan: Our priority is a comprehensive solution which will secure the political equality and the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot side

"Our wish is for this process to reach a result the soonest. The Turkish Cypriot side has exhibited its will for a solution. The Greek Cypriot side should now respond in a sincere manner and approach the issue with an understanding based on reconciliation and focused on the future".

Erdogan argued that the Cyprus problem has been on the agenda of the international community and the UN for half a century and alleged that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have been always acting sincerely and in good will. He claimed that the Turkish Cypriots continue having the same stance based on principles on the issue of the solution in spite of the "fact that they are the real victims of the problem". Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with the resumption of the Cyprus talks and said:

"We wish for distance to be covered in the road for the solution without further delay by making use of the positive climate which currently prevails in the negotiations".

Referring to the project of bringing water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus with undersea pipelines, Erdogan alleged that this will be the "water of peace" and the symbol of "the unshaken bond between Turkey and the TRNC", as he described the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

"Our wish is for the water which we will bring from Turkey to give life not only to the northern part of Cyprus, but to the entire island", he argued and said that only 1.5 kilometer long distance remained for the pipeline's construction to be completed.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci: Greece's and Turkey's strong support is needed for the solution in Cyprus

Akinci said that in parallel to Turkey's and Greece's support the two communities in Cyprus understanding and helping each other is of vital importance. "We see ourselves as future partners and not as enemies described by the separation, quarrels, hatred and enmity that lasted for years", he added.

According to Akinci, after a solution is reached, the Turkish Cypriots will take their place in the EU with their founding state and their communal rights having equal status with the Greek Cypriot community. Akinci reiterated also the view that it is needed to advance the process of preparing the Turkish Cypriot community for the EU.

He went on and said: "With the end of years of colonial rule, peace unfortunately did not come to our island. The 1960 Republic of Cyprus could not survive as a 'partnership' republic as the provisions were. This period, during which many innocent people were mercilessly killed, was written in our history as a short but searing period. The military fascistic coup held by the Greek junta on 15 July 1974 has turned everything into a more complicated situation. The wish to demolish the Republic of Cyprus with the insane demand of enosis [Translator's note: Enosis means 'unification' in the Greek language and this word had been used for demanding the unification of Cyprus with Greece], which belonged to a period of two centuries ago, could not be accepted of course by the Turkish Cypriots. This military coup could be prevented only with a military operation. And this is what happened on 20 July 1974. [?]

Even though we call it 'peace operation', this was undoubtedly a war. And the conditions of war were undoubtedly difficult and hard. Some of us lost their lives, some of us lost their relatives. [?] Families were scattered. Furthermore, thousands of us we had to deal with the trauma of being a refugee. I want to say the following with realism: After the big pains experienced by the Turkish Cypriots in the 1950's and the 1960's, the Greek Cypriot community was one of the biggest victims of the 1974 tragedy caused by the Greek junta. [?]"

Akinci noted that when he had said the same things the day before yesterday during his opening address for the celebrations for the invasion, the Greek Cypriot press referred to these as "a confession", but added that he "only said the realities". He argued that the real confession was included in an article published by the "Cyprus Mail" newspaper the other day which said that the coup's so-called president Nikos Sampson had received fifteen thousand congratulation telegraphs within three days. "If the 20th of July had not happened, the law of the coup would undoubtedly be valid and the power of the coup would be rooted. It is sad but it is true that in some period of the history the communities show democratic weaknesses and the coups are applauded instead of being damned. This happened in Greece, Turkey and south Cyprus in some periods like in other places of the world".

Akinci argued that the Turkish invasion prevented Enosis and the establishment of the coup's regime and prepared the infrastructure for a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution after the Turkish Cypriots started living in the occupied northern part of the island. Akinci alleged that if Greece and the Greek Cypriot side had accepted the multi-zonal solution plan submitted by the Turkish side in the period between the first and the second round of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, there would be no need for the displacement of thousands of people. Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriots are living now in security in their own area and this has been achieved with the Turkish invasion. He added: "From this point of view, we can say that the 20th of July has achieved one of its important goals. However, there is another aspect of the situation and this is that for 41 years it has not been possible to establish a constitutional order which would be to bring the two communities together in a new structure accepted by the international community. [?]"

Noting that they have a new opportunity now and both the leaders and their negotiators are working in an intensive manner with the aim of reaching a federal solution.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Various protests held in the occupied area of Cyprus against Erdogan's illegal visit

According to the paper, in the morning, unknown persons wrote on walls in the protocol area where the parade was to take place, the expression "Assassin Tayyip" while during the afternoon, a banner writing "You are not welcome Tayyip" has been unfurled from the roof of an apartment which was located very close to the "presidential palace".

The so-called police took strict measures prior to the "parade" and removed all the banners and placards.

Also, yesterday at noon, balloons, posters, photos of Misiaoulis and Kavazoglu and placards writing "Assassin Tayyip" and "Berkin is alive" were left flying in the sky of the occupied part of Lefkosia.

(AK)

[05] Davutoglu's message to Akinci

According to a statement issued by the "presidency", Davutoglu has sent a written message to Akinci on the occasion of the anniversary of the 20th of July and held also a telephone conversation with Akinci yesterday.

In his written message, Davutoglu reiterated Turkey's determination to continue providing any kind of support for the development and strengthening of the "TRNC" in all sectors.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, he praised the Turkish Cypriot side's constructive and favorable efforts towards the direction of finding a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Joint Declaration Agreement of February 11, 2014 and added that if the Greek Cypriot side show the same political will and determination, the prolonged for half a century issue is possible to be solved.

Davutoglu alleged that Turkey, in the framework of its responsibilities, rights and obligations deriving from its quarantorship status, will not allow the Turkish Cypriots who have equal rights in the island to be further isolated and suffer from the "inhuman embargoes".

Referring to the "peace operation" in Cyprus, as he called the Turkish invasion, Davutoglu claimed that this has secured the existence of the Turkish Cypriots in the island. Concerning the 1974 tragic facts, Davutoglu said that Turkey will not permit the Turkish Cypriots to continue to be the victims of the non-solution In Cyprus.

Referring to the water transfer project from Turkey to the "TRNC", Davutoglu said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" will be able to develop an exemplar agricultural production system via this project of bringing water. He added that Turkey will continue in the future to implement large scale projects for the development of the "TRNC" and alleged that the "TRNC" has become a center of attraction in the Eastern Mediterranean.

(AK)

[06] Cavusoglu's message to Akinci

According to a statement issued by the "presidency", Cavusoglu in his message thanked the "TRNC authorities" for their invitation to attend the celebrations in the "TRNC" and said: "As Foreign Ministry, we share our joy and enthusiasm with the Turkish Cypriot people who celebrate the anniversary of the 20th of July-Peace operation in Cyprus, which secured the existence and a brighter future for the Turkish Cypriots".

(AK)

[07] CHP Karayalcin visited Akinci

During the meeting, Akinci said that the day of July 20 prevented the "Enosis" (Translator's note: Enosis means 'unification' in the Greek language and this word had been used for demanding the unification of Cyprus with Greece), adding that this event brought them security of life, attained the right to live as a whole in the region, and formed the infrastructure for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal structure.

Commenting on the Cyprus talks, Akinci said: "We hope that we don't take the stone to the top of the mountain, in order to see it tumble down again". Akinci noted that they want positive result and today's status quo is unacceptable. He claimed that there are serious injustices inflicted upon in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Explaining that their basketball women's team, who got the right to play at Turkey's basketball league, cannot play in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said that because of the Cyprus problem, the team was told to find a field in Turkey.

Karayalcin conveyed to Akinci greetings by CHP's leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and added that they, as CHP, follow closely the developments in the "TRNC" and they are pleased with the positive developments in the Cyprus talks. He explained that the foreign diplomats, who are visiting them, also said that they hoped "this time will happen".

(DPs)

[08] AKP Deputy Chairman wishes the "TRNC" to be recognized by the world

In statements to Ankara Anatolia news agency, Calik wishes that all the problems that have lived until today in the "TRNC" to be removed, adding that they will eliminate all the problems they have with "North Cyprus" (translator's note: the Republic of Cyprus).

Calik wishes that the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) to be recognized by the world, adding that he also desires that "North Cyprus" to join the EU as "South Cyprus" did.

(DPs)

[09] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Turkey should take determined steps for a solution in Cyprus

Under the title "Putting the full stop", Duzgun reports, inter alia, the following:

"[?] Turkey cannot ignore the developments experienced during the last period in Cyprus. And cannot face these developments with the lesson memorized in the past. There are some important points which Turkish President Erdogan underlined after his meeting with President Akinci. The first was his statement that 'I saw that the sides are determined'. It is obvious that during the meeting, Erdogan was briefed on the course of the negotiations and wish for a solution was exhibited. Erdogan should have been influenced by this in order to say 'I saw them determined'. This determination is actually the common will of the Turkish Cypriots.

The second point in his statement, and the most important one in my view, was what he said that 'a full stop should finally be put'. Erdogan, who referred to the past unsuccessful efforts for finding a solution, said that a full stop should be put in the Cyprus problem and an agreement should be reached. Yes, a full stop should be put finally. Everyone should do his own bit. Turkey should also do this. With steps which Turkey will take, the negotiations process in Cyprus could gain enormous acceleration and the leaders, whom Erdogan finds 'determined', will be able to reach a solution by the end of the year just like they promised to their peoples. However, Turkey must also take determined steps for this. We will all together see what Turkey will do. The process advances with determination. This is the time to put the full stop?"

(I/Ts.)

[10] Coca-Cola will reportedly open a factory and commence production in the "TRNC"

According to the paper, the CEO of Turkey's Coca-Cola Muhtar Kent, stated, inter alia, to the paper, that the company has already found a factory in occupied Karavas and is planning to commence production next month since there are no objections from the Greek Cypriot side. This investment has cost approximately 10 million TL, writes the paper.

Kaner Grup was until so far responsible for the imports of the drink via Turkey and the distributor of Coca-Cola in the "TRNC".

Speaking to the paper about the Coca-Cola investment, so-called minister of economy Sunat Atun described as a very big step the decision of a globally known firm to make investments in the "TRNC". "This investment is very important and it causes us pleasure. North Cyprus is the appropriate place for investments", he alleged.

(AK)

[11] Suspected ISIS suicide attack leaves 31 dead, 76 injured in Turkey's border town of Suruc

Three members of the cabinet, namely Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, Interior Minister Sebahattin Ozturk and Labor Minister Faruk Celik went to Suruc to coordinate the investigation efforts.

The explosion targeted dozens of people from the pro-Kurdish group, Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF), who gathered at the culture center before their journey to Kobani, according to various sources. The youth participating in the SGDF campaign were going to help restructure Kobani.

Meanwhile, many government officials condemned the incident, urging people to unite in such difficult times. Additionally, a 'crisis desk' has been established by the Prime Ministry.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Monday's deadly attack in Suruc as an "act of terror. "We are drowning in grief that 28 citizens died and a large number of people were injured as a result of an act of terror," Erdogan said during a visit to the occupied area of Cyprus. "On behalf of my people, I curse and condemn the perpetrators of this brutality," he added.

The Turkish Interior Ministry also released a statement shortly after the attack. "We are calling on everyone to show common sense in the face of this terrorist attack targeting our country's unity," the statement read. Meanwhile, many government officials condemned the incident, urging people to unite.

Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan condemned the "despicable" incident on Twitter, saying such terrorist attacks on Turkey's integrity and peace would never reach their goal.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People's Party, or CHP, also condemned the "insidious" attack, saying that the party sent an investigation team to the area. The CHP also called on its local members to donate blood to the people wounded in the blast.

Turkey's pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) said, their central executive committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the aftermath of the incident.

Terror attack comes after Turkey's intensified anti-ISIS fight. Speaking to Daily Sabah, Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) foreign policy coordinator, Ufuk Ulutas, said that the prime suspect in the attack is ISIS, which simultaneously conducted another bomb attack in Kobani, which is just on the Syrian side of the border from Suruc. The strongest motive behind the attack is Turkey's intensified efforts in fighting ISIS with the U.S.-led coalition. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(CS/ AM)

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