Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-07-22

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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 briefed foreign journalists on the Cyprus talks

[02] Akinci briefed foreign parliamentarians in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[03] Siber met with foreign parliamentarians and delegations

[04] Kalyoncu met with foreign parliamentarians

[05] So-called foreign minister Colak briefed foreign journalists

[06] The electricity network connection between the two sides in the island has been reportedly commenced

[07] Cirali: Halloumi's price will increase

[08] The newly established "coalition government's" positions on the Cyprus problem

[09] A protest in the occupied area of Cyprus against AKP policies and the deadly bombing in Turkey

[10] Protests rage across Turkey over deadly Suruc bombing; Demirtas blame Erdogan for the situation; Davutoglu attacks HDP on claims of supporting ISIL

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci briefed foreign journalists on the Cyprus talks

Briefing the foreign journalists, who are currently in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to attend the celebrations of the 41st anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus, on the ongoing negotiation process, Akinci said that although there are a lot to be discussed in the negotiations in order to reach a solution, in case of continuing quickly the current talks, they may reach a solution within months.

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots do not want a solution, which will be jeopardized in time and sue each other in international courts, Akinci said: "We do not want a solution against the human rights. This agreement should be harmonious with the EU acquis and the human rights. In the agreement to be reached with the Greek Cypriots, every community will dominate in its region and will be self-administered. We want to see that these principles will be permanent. In other words, a balance should be formed between the bi-zonal bi-community and the EU principles".

Noting that the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots had to move en masse from their places in 1974 (translator's note: due to the Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 1974), Akinci claimed that they have created new lives after 41 years. Akinci explained that after the Cyprus settlement, the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots will be able to reside in the place they want under certain conditions. He also said that the Greek Cypriots, who will settle in the North and the Turkish Cypriots, who will settle in the South, will have political rights and will be able to participate in the local elections or the EU elections. However, Akinci explained that in case they are residents of the other side, they will be able to be candidates for the House of Representatives, but in the Senate, there will have to be equal number of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and added: "For this reason, the political equality should be protected".

Noting that guarantor countries' support for the Cyprus settlement is important, Akinci claimed that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's messages at the celebrations of the 41st anniversary of the Turkish invasion to Cyprus were important.

Replying to a question what will be the name of the country after the agreement, Akinci said that the name, which is at the agenda, is United Cyprus Federation, and added that the context of the agreement is more important than the name. Akinci also said that he thinks that in case of not finding a solution, then the young generations will forget the model of reunification of the island and will focus on the model of two separate states.

Akinci said that all the issues in relation to the guarantors and the territorial issues were discussed, except of the names and the quotas/percentages.

Asked about the NAVTEX, Akinci said that they have reached a mutual understanding with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades on the issue that it will not create any more problems. He added that the natural gas found around Cyprus should be used as a tool to assist the solution. Recalling the views of specialists, Akinci claimed that the best method to transfer the natural gas to Europe is through Turkey. Akinci also said: "We do not expect any new Navtex or exploration in the coming months".

Referring to the Federal Police, Akinci said that the ratio will be 50-50 or 40-60, but they have not reached any agreement with the Greek Cypriot side on the issue of the army. He added that an army may even not exist.

Noting that they should examine the collapse of the Republic of Cyprus in1963 in order to understand the Cyprus problem, Akinci said that the main target of the Greek Cypriots in that period was the unification with Greece. However, he said that he believes that this threat does not currently continue.

Asked to comment on Russia's stance regarding the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that Russia can play and should play an important role. He added that during a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Cyprus, he gave his support at the efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

(DPs)

[02] Akinci briefed foreign parliamentarians in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Akinci's spokesman Baris Burcu, the self-styled director of the "presidency" Gulden Ilkman and Akinci's coordinator for foreign relations Deniz Birinci were also present at the briefing.

Speaking before the event, Akinci said that he will be providing information about the past and present of the Cyprus problem as well as the ongoing Cyprus talks. He said that it is important for the foreign parliamentarians to learn and be informed about the Cyprus issue.

Pointing out that 41 years have passed since the "1974 Peace Operation" (editor's note: he refers to the Turkish invasion to Cyprus), he gave detailed information about the experiences of 1974.

Touching upon the Cyprus negotiations process during his speech, Akinci said that the stalled process had restarted following his election.

Reminding that he was elected as the "president of the TRNC" (editor's note: the Turkish Cypriot leader) only 3 months ago, Akinci said that the Cyprus issue should be solved on the basis of a federation based on the equal status of two constituent states. He stressed that he was working towards achieving this goal.

Akinci also added that possible natural resources to be found in and around Cyprus could contribute to building peace on the island.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online, 22.07.15) reports that Akinci said that there is no issue which has not been discussed on Cyprus and the only thing left it was political will and decisiveness.

He also said that it is the right time for a solution and the whole of the island should be included in the international law not just the one half. Akinci indicated that there are only two choices for the Turkish Cypriots to be part of the international law ? one is recognition of the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) which has not happened and will not in the foreseeable future and the other is through a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation.

He noted that by solving the Cyprus issue, they will become an example for the Eastern Mediterranean and wanted to create a win-win situation. From a settlement, 'fantastic' economic choices will be born, said Akinci and added that the natural gas found off the coast of Cyprus can be exported to Europe via Turkey. He concluded by saying that a settlement would need to harbour political equality and take both communities under security.

[03] Siber met with foreign parliamentarians and delegations

During the meeting with the "Turkish-Madagascar-Friendship Group", Sibel thanked the chairman of the group, Deputy Malement Liahosoa for visiting the occupied area of Cyprus.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Siber said that the island of Cyprus experiences for years the non-solution of it's problem and as a result of that the "TRNC" is not recognized by the international community, as she alleged.

Supporting that in spite of the fact that the "TRNC" is an "unrecognized state" it is an example of "democracy", Siber stated that they will be very pleased to establish close ties with Madagascar. She also expressed hopes that the "TRNC" will become a part of the world one day.

In his turn, Deputy Liahosoa expressed his pleasure for visiting the "TRNC" and stated that they are exerting efforts to develop more close ties with Turkey. He also added that they will be happy to develop more close ties with the "TRNC" as well.

Liahosoa referred also to the problems that exist between the "TRNC" and the "Greek Cypriot administration" as he called the Republic of Cyprus and expressed hopes that those problems will be solved and that the Turkish Cypriots will be recognized by the international community.

The paper reports also that Siber met also with the former Foreign Minister of Kirgizstan, Askar Aitmatov, the Swedish politician of Turkish origin Ozgur Tasbas and the Hungarian former Deputy and political advisor of the Hungarian government, Hegedus Tamas.

Moreover, in a separate meeting with Muferra Sinik and Fikirim Damka, both Deputies from Kosovo, Siber referred to the painful incidents experienced by the Turkish Cypriots in the past, to the current phase of the Cyprus negotiation talks and expressed hopes that the negotiations will finally yield a positive result.

Siber referred also to the advantages that a possible solution will bring to both "people" in the island and said that Kosovo's support to the Turkish Cypriot "people" is very important for the "cause".

Furthermore, according to the paper, Siber met also with foreign parliamentarians. Amongst them were the coordinator of the "Turkish-Gana Friendship Group" and Deputy in Gana, Alhassan D. Dandaawa, Migadde R. Nduqwa and Iddi I. Sabirye, Deputies in Uganda and Maria Mussini, Senator in Italy.

(AK)

[04] Kalyoncu met with foreign parliamentarians

Speaking during the meeting, Kalyoncu briefed the foreign parliamentarians about the celebrations for the 20th of July and the Cyprus negotiation talks.

Kalyoncu thanked first the Deputies for their visit to the "TRNC" and said: "Yes, the 20th of July was a military intervention, but as you can understand, the 20th of July brought peace to both sides. [?]". We support justice deriving from peace and we are in favor of freedom. I consider that we will finally reach to a solution in Cyprus", Kalyoncu said.

Recalling that the Turkish Cypriots said "yes" in the past to the 2004 referendum, Kalyoncu said that they continue to show constructive stance at the talks.

Explaining that the solution to be found will benefit both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots, the so-called prime minister said that it will also contribute to Turkish-Greek ties.

In his turn, Alhassan D. Dandaawa said, inter alia, that prior visiting the "TRNC" they had different views about the Cyprus problem since they were thinking that it is the Turkish Cypriot side which is not in favor of the solution and added that now they changed their mind.

Also speaking, Italian Senator Mussini said, inter alia, that the time has come for progress to be achieved at the talks. She condemned also the EU for the policy it follows in Eastern Mediterranean.

Moreover, Kalyoncu held a separate meeting with delegations from Kosovo and FYROM.

(AK)

[05] So-called foreign minister Colak briefed foreign journalists

Informing the media members concerning the ongoing negotiation process and the Cyprus problem, Colak stated that there is a more positive and better atmosphere in the negotiation process comparing with the past and added that the social activities between the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the "leader of the Greek Cypriot administration" as she called the President Nikos Anastasiades, gave positive messages to both "people" in the island.

Pointing out that the different languages, religions and races of the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots do not constitute an obstacle for the solution, Colak expressed the belief that it is possible for the two communities to establish a future for themselves with a soul of cooperation.

Referring to the issue of natural gas, Colak underlined that this issue should not be one of conflict and called the sides to focus on cooperation opportunities.

As regards the issue of guarantees, Colak stressed the need for both sides to reach to a solution that will safeguard their security and added that Turkey and Greece can contribute to a solution with a vision for common cooperation.

Colak stated also that the time has come to reach a solution on the Cyprus problem which lasted for many years and stressed the need for the positive atmosphere to continue, in order both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to be able to look confidently to the future.

(AK)

[06] The electricity network connection between the two sides in the island has been reportedly commenced

Invoking reliable sources, the paper writes that measures for the connection were already taken and the connection was made in two stages for the security of supply.

The paper adds that the works for the third stage of the connection continue and is expected to be completed within the next days.

With the electricity connection between the two sides, the "south" will provide electricity to the "north" in emergency cases or in cases when a trouble shooting is experienced and as a result, the "citizens" will not be affected by possible electricity power cuts.

Also, with the electricity connection, the two sides will reduce their risks; they will have connection with electricity permanently and will succeed the security of supply. The electricity network connection aims also to achieve the stability of the systems of production, communication and distribution and to increase the quality of the network.

(AK)

[07] Cirali: Halloumi's price will increase

In statements to Kibris TV, Cirali noted that after the registration, only halloumi produced in Cyprus will be sold in the international markets and this is why the price of the product will increase. In parallel to this, he added, depending on the demand, new investors will come and the livestock breeding sector will be developed.

Cirali said that they should fulfill the conditions of halloumi's registration and within ten years the percentage of the sheep or goat milk in the halloumi production should increase to 50%. He noted that support and education is needed to reach these goals.

Responding to a question, Cirali said that the firms which produce halloumi in Turkey will have to stop doing this and recalled that his "chamber" had filed lawsuits in Turkey against two of the above-mentioned firms and it is preparing to file a lawsuit against a third Turkish firm. He said that 2-3 tons of halloumi are produced in Turkey and if these 2-3 tons were produced in the occupied area of Cyprus and exported to Turkey, this would have been an important number for them. He noted that the firms in Turkey could produce cheeses similar to halloumi under other names.

(I/Ts.)

[08] The newly established "coalition government's" positions on the Cyprus problem

"The conditions included in the Eroglu ? Anastasiades Joint Declaration of the 11th of February 2014 constitute the basis of the form of the solution adopted by the government. United Cyprus will have a single international personality as member of the United Nations and the European Union and a single sovereignty described as the form of sovereignty which all the UN members enjoy within the framework of the UN Charter and (this sovereignty) will equally derive from the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. There will be a single Cypriot citizenship regulated by the federal laws. All citizens of united Cyprus will at the same time be citizens of the Greek Cypriot founding state or the Turkish Cypriot founding state. This status will be internal and will complete the united Cyprus citizenship and will in absolutely no manner replace it. [?]"

The "program" says also that the "government" will fulfil the duty of organizing a referendum in the occupied area of the island in case the leaders reach a solution and separate simultaneous referenda should be held.

On the relations with Turkey, the EU and other countries the "program" says that great importance will be attached to these relations and their basic targets are the development of the EU's Financial Aid and Green Line Regulations, the implementation of the EU's Direct Trade Regulation, the preparation of regulations which will secure the free trade between the Turkish Cypriots and the EU, the development of their relations with the Islamic States and countries outside the EU and the establishment of direct relations in the fields of economy, culture and sports with all the countries of the area.

Within the framework of achieving the above-mentioned goals, the number of the "missions" of the breakaway regime abroad will be increased and they will become more active, especially in the field of the "enlightenment" regarding the positions of the Turkish Cypriots on the Cyprus problem during this period in which "a momentum exists in the Cyprus talks".

Furthermore, the "coalition government" says that it will exert efforts in the direction of ending the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and hold intensive contacts with representatives of foreign countries and institutions. It will also give priority to holding regular contacts and consultations with the representatives on the island of the international players who are closely concerned with the Cyprus problem.

Moreover, it will continue the "intensive efforts" of the Turkish Cypriots in the Parliamentarian Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and will accelerate the efforts of hosting in the occupied area of Cyprus some activities with the participation of members of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation and the Organization for Economic Cooperation.

(I/Ts.)

[09] A protest in the occupied area of Cyprus against AKP policies and the deadly bombing in Turkey

The protesters gathered yesterday night at the Kugulu Park in the occupied part of Lefkosia and marched to the "Turkish embassy".

The protesters were shouting slogans against the AKP and ISID and were holding placards writing "A massacre took place in Suruc", "Together we supported Kobani and together we will reconstruct it".

Among the organizations attended and supported the protest were KTOS trade union, KTAMS, BASIN-SEN, KTOEOS, the Communist and Revolutionary Union, the youth organization of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), the United Cyprus Party and other.

The protesters read out a common declaration accusing Turkey and AKP for supporting the international imperialist powers for their policy in the Middle East.

(AK)

[10] Protests rage across Turkey over deadly Suruc bombing; Demirtas blame Erdogan for the situation; Davutoglu attacks HDP on claims of supporting ISIL

Forty-nine protesters were detained in multiple locations in Istanbul on July 21 for staging protests against the deadly Suruc bombing.

The Suruc bombing elicited sorrow and rage from several parties and spurred protests across the country, with people taking to streets to protest the deadly attack.

The suicide bomber, who has been tentatively identified as Seyh Abdurrahman Alagoz, detonated explosives on July 20 at Suruc Municipality's Amara Cultural Centre as members of the Federation of Socialist Youth Associations (SGDF) prepared to travel to Kobane in Rojava to aid in the town's reconstruction following its liberation from ISIL forces in January.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that the Prime Minister's and the President's offices have taken aggressive stances in their remarks refusing charges of neglect in the face of potential threats posed by militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as both offices attacked the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) for its belief in the government's tacit support of ISIL militants.

"I'm calling on those who attempt to score political goals through the very young while their ties with terrorist organizations are obvious. It is enough now that you have contaminated politics with blood," Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, the leader of the incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP), said late July 21.

"There is no cooperation with terror, arms and murder gangs in the AKP's history," Davutoglu said on his Twitter account.

Earlier on July 21, delivering a speech in front of the culture centre in the Suruc border town of Sanl?urfa where a suicide bombing killed at least 32 people, HDP's co-chair Selahattin Demirtas had bitterly criticized both Davutoglu's government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for turning a blind eye to activities of ISIL.

"Thirty-two young people were torn to pieces, yet the President does not bother to cancel his trip to Cyprus. The President has virtually declared the HDP a 'terrorist organization.' Yet he has nothing to say against ISIL.

No operations, no detainments, no arrests," Demirtas said, recalling that on the day of the attack, Erdogan went ahead with his scheduled "official visit" to "Turkish Cyprus" (editor's note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).

"Mr Davutoglu, if you're not aware of the support given to ISIL in Turkey, you have yet to become a Prime Minister. It's worse if it's all happening within your knowledge," Demirtas also said, reiterating his call for an extraordinary assembly of Parliament and asking for the support of 30 Deputies in addition to the HDP's 80 Deputies in order to reach the required number for declaring such a meeting.

The HDP co-leader's remarks also prompted presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin to deliver exclusive remarks to the state-run Anadolu Agency late on July 21.

Turkey's determination to fight against all terrorist organizations including ISIL is obvious, Kalin told the agency. "On the other hand, the situation of those who don't oppose the PKK's [the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party] terrorist actions, on the contrary, who exert effort for trying to show it as 'cute' and legitimizing it, is obvious", Kal?n said.

"It is not acceptable that HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas tried to wear out our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with imaginative claims and deliberate distortions in his speech delivered in Suruc today," Kalin added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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