Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-09-15

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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] Akinci: We insist on the rotating presidency, it is an inevitable result of political equality

[02] Eide: The leaders are very strongly committed to the solution process

[03] Twenty six categories of properties have reportedly been determined on the property issue

[04] Gungor: "The IPC continues its works normally"

[05] Russian Ambassador to Cyprus: We will never accept NATO's guarantees in Cyprus

[06] Turkish Naval Forces: "Possible research/drilling activities of the Greek Cypriot sector will be prevented"

[07] Turkey's Chief of General Staff in the occupied area of Cyprus for contacts

[08] Eroglu interfered in UBP crisis, blames Ozgurgun

[09] Efforts on UBP's election congress to be postponed for May 2016

[10] 5,789 teachers for 47,423 students in the occupied area of Cyprus

[11] Nokta raided, distribution halted over mocked-up selfie of Erdogan

[12] Erdogan to visit Brussels to discuss PKK and refugees

[13] Turkey sees rise in voters ahead of November 1 poll

[14] Deputy PM Turkes objects to expulsion from MHP

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: We insist on the rotating presidency, it is an inevitable result of political equality

Akinci expressed the belief that "a way out could be found" on the guarantees, if an agreement is reached by which both sides will be satisfied on issues such as the territory, the property, the governance and power sharing, the EU and the economy. He noted that the guarantees are not an issue that can be solved by the two communities during the negotiating process and added: "The three guarantor countries should agree with the two communities. There is no new offer on this issue yet. If we approach a serious reconciliation point on the other fields, I believe that a way out could be found on this issue".

Noting that yesterday they met for the ninth time with President Anastasiades, Akinci said that there are not at the point they had been in the beginning, that they have proceeded positively and that they are carrying out a process during which they do not accuse each other and do not repeat their own positions. He said that yesterday they reviewed once more the point they have reached as a result of the work of the negotiating delegations. "We were not focused on one point. I think that we had a constructive meeting", he added.

Recalling the statement made after the meeting by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser, Espen Barth Eide, Akinci said that the negotiators will meet more often and as of November the leaders also aim at entering into an intensive working tempo. Replying to a question, Akinci said that they did not determine any number of meetings, because they have visits abroad as well.

Referring to the parliamentary elections that will be held in May 2016 in the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci noted: "I referred to May because of the elections in the south. Of course, if not everything is finished by then, it will not be the end of the world. However, there are elections and these elections are tantamount to new sensitivities. Ending the soonest this process that we have started is both Mr Anastasiades' and my wish".

Noting that their target is to achieve a solution, Akinci said that he is not pessimistic and that progress has been achieved. He added: "There are difficult chapters, such as the property. I think that it would be correct to expect the developments on these chapters to be slower. [?] In May 2016 parliamentary elections will be held in the south. We prefer to reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem before that date, because the elections are tantamount to a sensitive period, even though they are not presidential elections..."

Replying to a question regarding the incidents during the recent visit of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) and AKEL left-wing part to the Maratha, Aloa and Sandalaris villages, Akinci said: "Taking lessons from the pain of the past is extremely important for the future. Painful events had been experienced. The Maratha-Aloa-Sandalaris events were a massacre, a painful event in our history which we will remember with sorrow. Unfortunately, these happened. We have to recognize the pains of the Greek Cypriot community also. They also have experienced pains. And the issue is to build a new future by taking lessons from these. This is what we are trying to do. While we are continuing the efforts for a solution, we try to know each other's pains, to understand what the other community feels. [?]"

Noting that when the time comes it would be appropriate to establish a "reconciliation committee" like the one in South Africa, Akinci said that before BKP's and AKEL's visit, it would perhaps be better if a dialogue had been established with the people who have certain sensitivities and the ground had been prepared. He added: "However, I do not think that the job done was wrong. It is of course nothing done with bad intentions. It is obvious that a little bit more careful preparation must be done in order for such situations not to be experienced again".

Replying to a question regarding Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Department of State, Victoria Nuland's visit to Cyprus, Akinci said that they have no other agenda to discuss with Nuland and added that the USA supports the solution process and it is natural for the USA to show interest in it. He added: "We will have the opportunity to tell her how the issue is developing from our point of view. Of course, we what to share with her the sensitivities of the Turkish Cypriot people. [?] There is the energy issue in Eastern Mediterranean. This is an issue to which America attaches value and I also consider it to be important. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eide: The leaders are very strongly committed to the solution process

In statements after the meeting, Eide said that he feels that the leaders are strongly committed to the negotiating process and that he had a "good and constructive meeting" with Akinci. He noted that they went through the negotiations held during the past four months and evaluated the situation in all the chapters.

Pointing out that the leaders met nine times until today and the negotiators 40 times, Eide said that the leaders think that this is not a good period for revealing certain details of the negotiations, because we are at a "strategic stage" regarding "the point we stand and what we have to do in the next few months".

Noting that two sentences in the statement issued after the leaders' meeting were very important, Eide said that the next few months are very important for the process, that we have no time to lose and that things are going well he added, though, that they realize that great effort is needed in the forthcoming period for "achieving full agreement from strategic point of view".

Asked when the briefing of the people will start regarding what is happening in the negotiations, he replied that the issue is continuously on the agenda of the leaders, who have not taken any decision on it.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Twenty six categories of properties have reportedly been determined on the property issue

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot side has submitted a "technologic formula" for determining the affected properties. This proposal concerns a software program, which will ensure a speedy progress on the property issue and determine the category to which the property belongs. The program will reportedly be used by the Property Commission which will be established after the solution and includes questions prepared by property experts and lawyers.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Gungor: "The IPC continues its works normally"

Gurkan went on and said that the number of the applications at the "commission" have been slightly reduced after the two leaders had launched discussions on the property issue and added that still there are new applications at the "commission". "The Immovable Property Commission continues its works and thus accepting applications", said Gurkan and added that in spite of the economic difficulties they have, they are exerting efforts to solve these problems. He added that according to info they have, compensations will be paid in the forthcoming weeks for several cases.

(AK)

[05] Russian Ambassador to Cyprus: We will never accept NATO's guarantees in Cyprus

Osadchy stated that Russia assured that it will support and accept any solution approved in referendum by the two sides in Cyprus. He also stated that any decision taken by the two communities in Cyprus must be met with respect.

He said that a big progress has been made at the negotiations adding that the good relations between the two Cypriot leaders contributed in a positive way. He also expressed the hope that the two leaders will do everything possible for reaching an agreement.

Asked if the current guarantees system should be continue or come to an end, the Russian Ambassador stated that this issue will be solved with the participation of the countries involved. However, he stressed that Russia will never accept a guarantees system in which NATO will play a determined role.

(CS)

[06] Turkish Naval Forces: "Possible research/drilling activities of the Greek Cypriot sector will be prevented"

The report writes: "The unilateral efforts of the Greek Cypriot administration to take up the jurisdiction of the island, have broadened the dimension of the Cyprus problem. We will prevent any possible research/drilling activities which will be carried out within our marine spaces and to the areas which were declared to the international community".

(AK)

[07] Turkey's Chief of General Staff in the occupied area of Cyprus for contacts

According to a statement issued by the "presidency", Akar will have separate meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci and afterwards with the "speaker" of the so-called assembly Sibel Siber and the so-callled prime minister Omer Kalyoncu.

(AK)

[08] Eroglu interfered in UBP crisis, blames Ozgurgun

Eroglu denied various rumors surfaced in the media recently according to which he is behind the many candidates for the party's leadership arguing that he takes nobody's side on the election run adding that his main concern is the interest of UBP, a party he served for 39 years. "For me who will win the election run is not important; what is important is for UBP and the people to win", he stated.

He also expressed his concerns as regards the new system for electing the party's chairman which provides that the new leader is elected directly by the party's members and not by the central committee like in the past.

Finally he stated that the "country" is going through a very critical role and is crucial the UBP to fulfil its role and mission.

(CS)

[09] Efforts on UBP's election congress to be postponed for May 2016

The paper writes that 8 members of the Party's Central Committee came together and conveyed a proposal to the party's leader Huseyin Ozgurgun according to which the party's election congress which is planned to be held on October 31 should be postponed for May 2016.

According to the proposal this will safeguard the loyalty of the new party members enrolled to UBP for the party's election congress and will allow better preparation to be made for the congress.

(CS)

[10] 5,789 teachers for 47,423 students in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to data by the "ministry", the 69.43% of the students are "TRNC citizens", the 26.28% are Turkish citizens, and the rest of 4.29% are citizens of a third country.

(DPs)

[11] Nokta raided, distribution halted over mocked-up selfie of Erdogan

Nokta Managing Editor Murat Capan was detained on Monday in the raid by the Istanbul Police Department's counterterrorism unit and referred to the court for arrest. Capan was detained while lawyer Veysel Ok and journalist Evin Baris Altintas from the Platform for Independent Journalism (P24) were at the weekly's office to show solidarity. He was released later in the day. The judge reportedly refused to arrest the editor on charges of spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization but released him on probation on charges of insulting Erdogan.

The cover depicted a grinning Erdogan in shirtsleeves taking a selfie in front of a coffin draped in the red Turkish flag. The image was a clear reference to the escalating violence between the security forces and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists that have killed more than 100 security personnel in past weeks. It was also an implicit criticism of comments Erdogan has made on military deaths.

Nokta Editor-in-Chief Cevheri Guven announced on Monday that police officers raided the magazine's office on the instructions of an Istanbul prosecutor at midnight. Guven emphasized that circulation of the 18th edition of the weekly was also banned despite being printed and sent to distribution offices. Copies of the weekly that have already been distributed will be recalled.

However, the raids seem to have backfired as many Twitter users shared the cover in question, and it has circulated exponentially in social media. A large number of Twitter users condemn the crackdown and consider it to be an attempt by the government to muzzle media outlets that are critical of it.

Speaking to the Cihan news agency after the raid, Guven stressed that police are carrying out a "witch hunt" by visiting newsstands across the country to prevent the magazine from being accessed by readers.

"There is no court order for the raids or for banning distribution of the weekly. As journalists we harshly criticized Erdogan over his recent remarks posing next to a coffin and praising being a martyr as something that requires being happy [for the families]. When Erdogan was speaking, the father of the martyr was weeping on bended knee. We wanted to criticize Erdogan with such an image. It has been ordinary thing for Nokta to criticize politicians during its long history," Guven said.

Erdogan has been widely criticized for comments made at the funeral of a soldier killed in clashes. "How happy is his family and all his close relatives, because Ahmet has reached a very sacred place," he was widely quoted across media as saying.

After the raid and detention of Nokta editor Capan, reactions to the controversial practice have mounted as Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks wrote on his Twitter account: "@noktadergi: ban, raids & arrest worsen already worrying situation for freedom of expression in Turkey. Authorities must keep the media free."

The Contemporary Journalists Association (CGD) also issued a written statement on Monday and said: "No one is untouchable or immune to criticism. As long as the media criticizes the ruling powers, it means it is doing its job well."

The Press Council also described the crackdown on Nokta as a major blow to freedom of the press. Issuing a written statement on Monday, the council said: "Such controversial practices prior to the election disregards the right to information. The council calls for keeping the channels of democracy and tolerance open without fearing news and views."

Media Ethics Council (MEK) President Halit Esendir also posted a tweet on Monday and lambasted the raid: "I strongly condemn the raid. Where is freedom of the press?"

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called the government-ordered police action targeting the magazine as an "unbearable attack on free press."#Turkey hitting hard on @noktadergi: office raided, issue seized, Twitter account blocked, editor detained!! Unbearable attack on #freepress," tweeted RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk on Monday.

[12] Erdogan to visit Brussels to discuss PKK and refugees

Erdogan is expected to give precedence to long-awaited European co-operation in EU countries where the terrorist organization is dominant. Ankara has so far experienced contradicting actions and remarks coming from the EU regarding the PKK. Whereas the EU, from time to time, offered collective help in the fight against terror, some countries have refused to extradite arrested PKK terrorists.

Another issue of utmost importance to Ankara is the refugee crisis. Home to more than 2 million refugees, Turkey has been the primary country by far in bearing the refugee burden, spending over $6 billion. Erdogan will reportedly convince the EU to include Turkey in the refugee quota solution.

[13] Turkey sees rise in voters ahead of November 1 poll

The board says that more than 54 million people are registered to vote in Turkey while almost 2.9 million people will be able to cast their votes outside the country.

Around 53.7 million people were eligible to vote in Turkey's 7 June general election.

The difference between two general elections is 310,620 in Turkey while this difference is 28,227 for voters outside the country.

Turkish nationals living abroad will begin casting their votes between October 8-25 at embassies, consulates and border gates.

In Turkey, the elections will start on Nov.1, at 8 a.m. (0600GMT) and finish at 5 p.m. (1500GMT).

The November 1 polls will take place nearly five months after an inconclusive election on June 7 saw no party win an overall majority.

Twenty-seven political parties will participate in the November election, including the AK Party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) as well as the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Political parties have to submit their nominees to the board by September 18 and the board will announce the list of parliamentary candidates on September 28.

Turkey is divided into 85 constituencies in 81 provinces for a total of 550 MPs.

The election board will print more than 75 million voting papers.

[14] Deputy PM Turkes objects to expulsion from MHP

The central disciplinary committee of the MHP expelled Turkes from the party on September 5 on disciplinary grounds because he accepted the offer in defiance of his party's instructions not to participate in the interim administration.

The Ankara Deputy, Tugrul Turkes, is the son of MHP founder Alparslan Turkes. He was the first Turkish Parliamentarian to accept Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's invitation to join the caretaker government.

In a letter of protest to the central disciplinary committee of the party, the Deputy Prime Minister objected to his expulsion and wanted the party's decision to be declared null and void. "I made my party to be in power. I did not commit a disciplinary act. No one can assert that," he said in the letter.

"It cannot be accepted as a disciplinary act anywhere in the world for a person, who serves as a Deputy, to accept a constitutional and national duty," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(DPs/ AM)

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