Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 15-10-08

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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] Halkin Sesi: Turkey has accepted to pay 40% of the cost of the compensations for the properties in case of a global exchange

[02] Colak: The Turkish Cypriots could become a bridge between the Islamic world and the United Cyprus

[03] The "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" held contacts in London

[04] Talat: The water from Turkey is not a natural resource, it is a strategic product

[05] Kalyoncu announced that he will go to Ankara to discuss the issue of the management of the water

[06] The "Turkish Cypriots' Living Abroad" demand to be given the right to vote in a possible referendum for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[07] Bora: "The recognition of the TRNC will bring the real viable solution"

[08] KTOS accused Turkey of imposing its education system in the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] Turkes will attend an international symposium in the occupied area of Cyprus

[10] "GAU" and "UKU" have enrolled 15,000 and 10,000 students

[11] Kaya Artemis Hotels Group is constructing a new hotel in the place of an old olive factory in the occupied area of Agios Georgios

[12] Turkish Cypriot Artists and Writers Union"will organize an action for the opening of the fenced off Varosha

[13] Erdogan discussed the delays in the opening of chapters 15, 17, 23, 24 and 30 in Brussels and warned Russia on energy ties

[14] Erdogan in a two-day visit to Japan

[15] Voting begins for Turkish citizens living abroad

[16] Digiturk joins government-ordered ban on critical media

[17] Turkish daily: "Tension with Russia may further weaken Turkey's hand in trade"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Halkin Sesi: Turkey has accepted to pay 40% of the cost of the compensations for the properties in case of a global exchange

"It has been known that the acceptance by Turkey to cover 40% of the compensations has excited very much the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration Nicos Anastasiades", claims the paper adding: "According to information obtained by Halkin Sesi, it is claimed that Turkey has accepted to cover 40% of the property compensations in case a global exchange of property takes place and the ownership of the Turkish properties in south Cyprus passes to the Turkish side.

Accordingly, a global exchange of properties will take place in the property which is one of the most complex issues of the Cyprus problem and as soon as the compensations are paid, the ownership of the Turkish properties in south Cyprus will pass to the Turkish side.

In this case Turkey will cover 40% of the compensations as regards the properties and will activate the banking system with the aim of securing financial support to the issues which will come up regarding the property.

It is further claimed that all these and the details of the issue were told by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Mustafa Akinci. Among the information which we obtained is that during his meeting with Akinci, Erdogan explained Turkey's stance for overcoming the property problem and offered support".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Colak: The Turkish Cypriots could become a bridge between the Islamic world and the United Cyprus

Evaluating her contacts in New York, Colak said: "There have been at least as much contacts as in the past. We have materialized successful diplomatic contacts".

Colak argued that the foreigners are approaching more favorably the Turkish Cypriot demands for meetings after the change of the climate with Akinci's election and the intensification of the negotiating process. Colak reiterated the Turkish allegation that the Turkish Cypriots have been isolated for many years not only economically but from the point of view of holding contacts abroad and argued that the stance recently adopted by the Turkish Cypriots encouraged the foreigners to meet with them.

According to Colak during their contacts in New York they acted together with Akinci and "talked the same language", something which she described as important. "The more you reflect the consensus within your own community the better result you take from the meetings. Moreover, your position during the foreign contacts becomes stronger", she argued.

Referring to her meetings with OIC and OEC officials, she said: "We have started exchanging ideas on how these established contacts could proceed in case of a solution. The Greek Cypriots are currently not in the Islamic organizations, but we have established contacts as observer member, we were given the memberships and participated in the meetings. Holding these is an experience for us. We will develop our relations with these organizations. In case a solution is reached, we can build the bridge with these organizations. Whether the interlocutor will be Cyprus under the federal structure or it will be our function as founding state will be determined by the details of the agreement which will come out from the negotiations and the constitution which will be formed".

Colak said that she also met with Herve Ladsous, Deputy UN Secretary ? General responsible for the UN Peace Force Operations, and exchanged views on the work of the UNFICYP, the negotiations and the duties of UNFICYP from now on.

She noted that their status as observer at the OEC was extended for three years and that she met with Halil Ibrahim Akca, the general secretary of the organization. She said that during their contacts she gave the message that the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem are intensified, that progress is achieved and that in spite of the fact that difficult issues exist, the two leaders are determined and serious for reaching a successful result.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" held contacts in London

The "chamber's" chairman Ali Cirali who headed the delegation held contacts focused on the halloumi/ hellim issue and on issues related to the progress of industry in Cyprus after a solution.

The delegation met with the "TRNC representative" in London Oya Tuncali, the Turkish Ambassador to London, Emirhan Yorulmazlar and the chairwoman of the Turkish English Commerce and Industry Chamber Emma Edhem.

According to the paper, Cirali talked during the meetings about the application to have halloumi/ hellim designated as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and also exchanged views on the "embargo".

(CS)

[04] Talat: The water from Turkey is not a natural resource, it is a strategic product

Talat argued that the water which comes from Turkey is not a natural resource and added: "It is a strategic product. Therefore, during our period we had agreed on the issue of the administration of the water being in the federal government".

Talat said that the international agreements, which had been regularly made by "both sides" [Translator's note: By the term "both sides" he means the Republic of Cyprus on the one hand and the breakaway regime that was unilaterally and illegally declared by the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey in 1983] and are not in contrary to the Founding Agreement to be reached, will be valid in the federal state. "We expect this to be in this way. He claimed: "Therefore, the agreements reached between the TRNC and Turkey will continue being valid, that is they will be binding for the federal government. There is no problem from the international law's point of view".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Kalyoncu announced that he will go to Ankara to discuss the issue of the management of the water

"The issue of the management of the water will be solved through dialogue. Turkey's support is very important. We consider that BESKI, which was established by the municipalities, can succeed towards the management of the water. All these will be discussed on the table with Turkey. The officials of both countries have goodwill", Kalyoncu said.

He further added that he expects to go to Ankara in order to discuss the issue of the management of the water.

(AK)

[06] The "Turkish Cypriots' Living Abroad" demand to be given the right to vote in a possible referendum for the solution of the Cyprus problem

The Platform organized yesterday a press conference where it presented the results of the workshop.

Speaking on behalf of the Platform, Nesim Tuzmen asked for an amendment to the "law for elections and referenda", so that the "TRNC citizens" to be able to have the right of "vote and be elected".

Stressing the need for the "TRNC citizens" abroad to have the right to vote in a possible referendum for the solution of the Cyprus problem, Tuzmen demanded also for the "TRNC citizens" abroad to have the right of "representation" in the "TRNC assembly".

Tuzmen announced also that the Platform has also decided to strengthen its ties with the "TRNC" and at the same time to develop and protect the "constitutional rights" of the Turkish Cypriot's living abroad.

Tuzmen proposed finally the mixed model of Italy-Estonia as a formula to solve the problems that might be arisen if they would be given finally the right to vote in the countries they live abroad.

(AK)

[07] Bora: "The recognition of the TRNC will bring the real viable solution"

Referring to the statements made by the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during the UN's General Assembly who has described the "41 years' division of Cyprus as a shame", Bora accused Greece of being the responsible for the division of the island.

Bora accused also the Greek Cypriots and Greece for the incidents occurred in Cyprus during the years 1963-1964 and during 1974. He further argued that a viable and fair solution on the Cyprus problem is possible only if the "realities experienced in the past" will be taken into consideration.

(AK)

[08] KTOS accused Turkey of imposing its education system in the occupied area of Cyprus

Elcil accused Turkey of trying to impose its puritanical education system on the Turkish Cypriots and said that as far as it concerned them this will not pass. He stated that a secret protocol was signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime aiming to establish a very old fashioned educational system in the occupied area of Cyprus and added that KTOS is against this.

On his part TDP leader Cemal Ozyigit stated that his party fully supports KTOS' struggles and called on the current "government" of the breakaway regime to leave its post and others to take the "power" if it is not able to find solutions in various problems that appear in the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[09] Turkes will attend an international symposium in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes and the Chairman of the Council of Higher Education (YOK) in Turkey Prof. Dr Yekta Sarac will also attend the symposium.

[10] "GAU" and "UKU" have enrolled 15,000 and 10,000 students

The paper also reports that "International Cyprus university" ("UKU") in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus has registered 10 thousand students for the new academic year.

[11] Kaya Artemis Hotels Group is constructing a new hotel in the place of an old olive factory in the occupied area of Agios Georgios

According to the paper, an old olive oil factory was located in the area that the new luxury hotel is to be erected and adds that is getting prepared for the new building.

(CS)

[12] Turkish Cypriot Artists and Writers Union"will organize an action for the opening of the fenced off Varosha

According to a statement issued by the Union's chairman Umit Inatci, the action will take place in Palm Tree hotel in occupied Famagusta on Saturday October 11.

(CS)

[13] Erdogan discussed the delays in the opening of chapters 15, 17, 23, 24 and 30 in Brussels and warned Russia on energy ties

The refugee crisis topped the agenda during meetings with European Parliament President Martin Schultz, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Erdogan said: "We also discussed Turkey's membership negotiations and talked about the delays in the opening of chapters, especially chapters 15, 17, 23, 24 and 30."

Juncker agreed with the need to accelerate the pace of the talks, with special emphasis on the visa liberalization process. Erdogan said: "I saw that they intend to complete it before 2017".

Schultz, Tusk and Juncker seemed more eager to cooperate than before, said the President, adding: "They all admit the burden Turkey is shouldering, especially concerning the refugees. They agree that the EU needs to share the weight, which they will resolve after deliberations among themselves."

Erdogan expressed his optimism over the improvement in Turkey's relations with the EU. "My meetings with Schultz, Tusk and Juncker, who are the most senior EU officials, were very positive. They agree Turkey's importance is constantly rising. They are also very sensitive on the threat of terrorism," said Erdogan, who noted that their stance toward the PKK terrorist organization was clear. "They are aware Turkey's stability is very important for the EU. They know that a stable Turkey will be more effective on every issue, including the refugee crisis."

When asked whether his visit to Brussels could be seen as historic, Erdogan said: "We can't know how sincere they are. It could also be tied to the fact that they need Turkey. EU member countries are now involved in calculating how few refugees they are forced to admit. Our aim was never to admit the refugees so that they could travel onto Europe. Our efforts are a good indication for the EU."

President Erdogan said repeated Russian infringements of Turkey's airspace in the past few days were incompatible with the close links the two countries have and added that the Russian administration was close to losing Turkey as a friend.

When asked if he would be talking to Putin to prevent the violations from deteriorating into clashes, Erdogan said: "I don't believe Russia would do such a thing. NATO's emergency meeting showed how seriously they took the matter." He said the violations occurred after he talked with Putin, and he did not believe it meaningful to call Putin again under such circumstances.

When asked about the close commercial ties between the two countries, Erdogan argued that trade ties were a matter that both sides needed to be sensitive about. "If Russia doesn't build the Mersin Akkuyu Nuclear Plant, someone else will. They have already invested $3 billion there. So, it is Russia that needs to be careful there. On the issue of our natural gas imports, we are their top natural gas customer. Losing Turkey will be a major loss for Russia. If necessary, Turkey can get the gas from elsewhere. So, Russia needs to assess these issues carefully. There is a high-level cooperation council mechanism between the two countries. The council's end would be wrong for Russia too."

[14] Erdogan in a two-day visit to Japan

During his visit, Erdogan will meet with Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and attend a meeting coordinated by the host country and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey.

Moreover, Turkey will cooperate with Japan on 5G technology, which makes use of the Internet faster.

According to the information gained from Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), a joint declaration will be signed between the agency and Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The joint declaration will be mainly about increasing cooperation on 5G issues. It will also include the strengthening of social and economic ties between the two countries via science and technology.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Turkish Presidential Office said that during the visit, Erdogan will attend a meeting held with the coordination of Japan and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) business organization.

The visit comes as trade between the countries, and investment by Japanese companies in Turkey, has experienced a dip in past years.

Nurettin Pekaruni, DEIK's Japan-Turkey Business Forum chief, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that the trade volume between the countries stood at $3.6 billion as of the end of 2014 -- mostly in favour of Japan.

"While the trade volume between these two countries stood around $4.5 billion in 2011, it fell to $3.8 billion in 2013," Pekarun said. "The economic relations mainly rely on Japanese exports to Turkey."

So far in 2015, Turkey's exports to Japan stand at around $225 million, and its imports at $1.95 billion.

[15] Voting begins for Turkish citizens living abroad

Between May 8 and 31, over a million Turkish citizens living abroad in 54 countries casted their ballots in the June 7 General Elections.

There are 2,866,979 Turkish citizens abroad who are eligible to vote. Nearly twice as many overseas Turks had turned out to vote in the June 7 general election than they did in last August's presidential election.

Elections in Turkey have the second-highest voter turnout among developed democracies, according to a report released by the Washington-based Pew Research Centre.

On the same issue, illegal Bayrak television (online, 08.10.15) broadcast that voting started this morning in the occupied area of Cyprus for the snap elections.

94,816 eligible Turkish voters will be able to cast their votes at the illegal Turkish embassy in the occupied part of Nicosia.

[16] Digiturk joins government-ordered ban on critical media

Turkcell TV+, an online TV streaming service from Internet provider Superonline, and Tivibu, another service provided by TTNet, earlier announced that they removed the channels in question from their platforms by order of the Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office on the suspicion that these channels support a terrorist organization.

Even children's channel Yumurcak TV was removed, prompting anger from some users who were perplexed at the idea that a children's TV channel could be supporting terrorism.

Digiturk brought the same explanation in its statement on Thursday, saying that the channels were removed from the platform "due to legal obligation."

[17] Turkish daily: "Tension with Russia may further weaken Turkey's hand in trade"

Just one day after the latest conflict began, Russia's state-owned Gazprom said it had halved the yearly amount of gas that is planned to flow through the long-awaited Turkish Stream pipeline project, which will supply gas to both Turkey and Europe. Even though energy analysts opt not to establish a direct link between the two incidents, they express concern over Turkey's high dependence on Russian energy resources.

Turkey made $5.9 billion worth of exports to and $25 billion in imports from Russia. The northern neighbour was Turkey's seventh biggest export partner and its largest import partner in 2014. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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