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

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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: The property issue will be solved mostly with compensations

[02] Akinci: "The water issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local authorities"

[03] Akinci will deliver a lecture at the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University

[04] Erdogan will illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus on 17 October

[05] Turkey issued invitations for the inauguration ceremony for the water transfer project

[06] Cretu: Europe is determined in supporting the solution in Cyprus

[07] Burcu on the opening of the Derinya check point

[08] Eide: Concessions are needed in the Cyprus problem

[09] Turkes: "If the Greek Cypriot side shows goodwill, then we have hopes for a positive result to arise on the Cyprus problem"

[10] The Egyptian Ambassador to Nicosia visited Atalay

[11] The KTTO to attend the "Eurochamber Economic Forum" in Luxemburg

[12] Harmanci carried out contacts in Ankara

[13] Chinese businessmen visited the illegal Keryneia American University

[14] The "municipality" of occupied Lefka became an official member of Cittaslow International

[15] The "European National Teams Billiard Championship" takes place in the occupied area of Cyprus with the participation of foreign countries

[16] Demirtas confirmed that a group of militants affiliated with ISIL plans to assassinate him

[17] Court issues total media ban over Ankara suicide bombings

[18] Former President Gul calls Demirtas, expresses condolences over Ankara bombing

[19] Turkey reveals location of planned third nuclear plant

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: The property issue will be solved mostly with compensations

Referring to the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that they should find a solution in Cyprus the soonest possible and added: "We are of the same generation with esteemed Anastasiades". He also said that either they solve the problem during this period or it will become even more difficult to do so in the future, adding that this is the last settlement effort by their generation.

Stressing that there are three essential points in the Cyprus problem, Akinci argued that there cannot be a solution, which won't address the issues of equality, freedom and security. He explained: "I don't want this only for me. I want also this for our partners, the Greek Cypriots".

Regarding the presidency, in which the governance and power sharing chapter is included, Akinci said: "In a Cyprus settlement definitely the rotating presidency is necessary. This is our must for the sake of political equality". Noting that the issue of guarantees will be discussed last, Akinci said that on this issue, the guarantor countries will have a say.

Claiming that 75% of the "people" in South Cyprus (translator's note: the government controlled area in the Republic of Cyprus) does not want to return back to their home in the occupied north, Akinci said that the property issue, which is one of the most important chapters of the Cyprus problem, will be solved mostly with compensations. Akinci also said that in their meetings, he and Anastasiades made promises to each other on the issue of compensations; however, what is important is to keep their word.

Referring to the project of water supply from Anamur, Mersin to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said that it is very important. He further noted: "This water is wealth for us. It is an important gain in the Middle East. We will be able to share it with the Greek Cypriots. He added: "The union of North Cyprus with South Cyprus will affect positively the relations between Turkey and Greece".

Noting that the sharing of natural resources in the region within peace is an important path, Akinci said: "Egypt discovered a rich hydrocarbon reservoir only 6 km from Cyprus' EEZ. It is a very short distance to the island. (?) to transfer natural gas from Egypt, Israel and Cyprus to Europe (through Turkey) is viewed by experts as the most intelligent path". Akinci further claimed that Anastasiades also said that he has the same view with him on this issue, adding that he believes that the discovered mineral wealth can be used in a way that can contribute to the regional peace.

Meanwhile, Akinci thanked the Demiroren Media Group on starting to print the newspaper Milliyet in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

Replying to a question whether the "TRNC citizens" who are of Turkish origin will leave the island or not after the Cyprus settlement, Akinci said: "The people who have started a family and have settled in Cyprus (translator's note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and have lived in this land for years now should not this issue even being discussed". He added: "I don't even know who has settled and who has not. The TRNC citizens are all our compatriots".

On the same issue, Sefa Karahasan, correspondent of Milliyet newspaper in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, in his column "A glance from the island", under the title "The critical three months", writes that Akinci, during the meeting with the Milliyet team, said that the Cyprus talks will enter the most critical period from November. He added that a plan should emerge prior to the parliamentary elections that will be held in "South Cyprus" (translator's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) in May 2016. It will be difficult for Anastasiades to focus on the Cyprus talks from the moment on which the election campaign will begin. Akinci stressed that the months of November, December and January will be the most critical months.

(DPs)

[02] Akinci: "The water issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local authorities"

Mustafa Akinci has expressed the view that "the water issue cannot be solved without the municipalities and local authorities".

Akinci was speaking during a visit paid to him yesterday by a delegation from a trade union platform. H said that the issue of who was going to manage the water could not be solved without the involvement of the "municipalities".

He said that this position on the issue was clear.

He also added that if the water project was made sustainable then this would bring new horizons for the breakaway regime and that Cyprus could become a hub in the Mediterranean. "Imagine on the one end an energy corridor from Cyprus to Europe via Turkey and water flowing to the island and perhaps even to the Middle East. All these might come as a dream at the moment but we need such dreams and we need to work hard to make these dreams come true. Peace can only be possible through such interdependence" he said.

Akinci also stated that more care and attention was needed to be shown towards improving Turkish Cypriot institutions and enabling them to stand on their own two feet. "The arrival of the water from Turkey is very important but just because we have water from Turkey does not and should not mean that we should neglect our own resources. We need to conserve every drop of water in these lands" he said, adding that the "parliament" and the "government" needed to reach an agreement on this issue and prepare the necessary "legislation" as soon as possible.

Arslan Bicakli who spoke on behalf of the platform said that they were not disturbed by the arrival of water from Turkey but stressed that the water must be managed by the "TRNC". "We do have the qualified experts in the TRNC who can manage electricity, water and telecommunications" he said.

[03] Akinci will deliver a lecture at the Canakkale 16 Mart University

Akinci will address students and academic staff at the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University to mark the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year.

Akinci during his visit will be accompanied by his executive assistant Cenk Gurcag.

[04] Erdogan will illegally visit the occupied area of Cyprus on 17 October

Cinar told Havadis that the first ceremony will be held at 11.00 a.m. in Anamur in Turkey and the second at 01.00 p.m. in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus at the "Drinking Water Desalination Installation" built near occupied Myrtou village.

Cinar said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will participate in both ceremonies accompanied by a large delegation.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkey issued invitations for the inauguration ceremony for the water transfer project

According to the column of Afrika editor-in-chief Sener Levent, the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is inviting the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to the ceremony while the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is inviting the so-called prime minister Omer Kalyoncu. As regards the Turkish Cypriot civil society organizations are invited by the "Water Affairs Ministry" of Turkey.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (15.10.15) reports that "TRNC Municipalities Water and Sewage Enterprises" (BESKI), an organization established by 26 Turkish Cypriot "municipalities" with the aim of administrating the water which came from Turkey to the occupied area, issued a statement noting that it has not received an invitation for Saturday's inauguration ceremony yet; however it stated that it would not have attended the event even if it was invited and reiterated its position that the water transferred from Turkey must be administrated by the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[06] Cretu: Europe is determined in supporting the solution in Cyprus

Replying to questions, Cretu stated that Pieter Van Nuffel, EU's Special Representative at the UN's Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, will be more accessible in order for the UN and the two communities to make use of the Commission's experts in the benefit of the negotiations.

Cretu, who is visiting the island today, drew attention to the agreement for establishing a special bi-communal committee with the aim of preparing the Turkish Cypriots for the EU and added that this committee will be sufficient evidence by itself for the progress achieved during the negotiating process.

Pointing out to the fact that all sides and stakeholders agree on the urgent necessity for the Turkish Cypriots being prepared for implementing the EU laws after a comprehensive solution is reached, Cretu said that they are ready to increase their efforts for preparing the Turkish Cypriot community for the implementation of the acquis communautaire and offer any extra aid and support demanded by the sides.

She added that in case a solution is reached in Cyprus, the EU will make the necessary amendments in the Multiannual Financial Framework and in the Aid Regulation for the Turkish Cypriots.

Replying to a question regarding the Direct Trade Regulation of the EU with the Turkish Cypriots, Cretu said that the proposal is pending before the European Parliament and taking into consideration the existing positive momentum in the island, the comprehensive solution itself seems to constitute a real opportunity on the issue of the trade. "This will integrate the Turkish Cypriots with the EU's internal market", she pointed out.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Burcu on the opening of the Derinya check point

Burcu who issued a written statement said that the mine search and clearance activities on the main road in Derinya will be finalized following tests to be carried out by the UN mine search teams on the 24th of October.

Burcu also added that after safety is insured on the road, work towards widening the road, fencing off the surrounding areas and completing the infrastructure will start.

Explaining that alternative routes for both crossing points had come to the agenda while minesweeping activities were still continuing, he said: "As a result of the initiatives taken by Akinci and the contacts he held with all concerned sides, in accordance with the will of both peoples, a decision similar to the one taken at the Apliki crossing point, was taken to use the main road at the Derinya border crossing". Burcu also added that Akinci had shared this decision with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

[08] Eide: Concessions are needed in the Cyprus problem

In statements to Al Jazeera Turk television, Eide noted: "All issues have been discussed at a certain level, many of them in a very detailed manner. The Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the UN have now a general idea regarding the result which will come up. This is not in darkness any more. At the same time, there are concessions needed to be given. When these are also discussed everything will fall into place. This should happen within the shortest period of time. We are working on it now".

Eide said that in spite of the existence of issues on which convergence has not been reached, the leaders are exhibiting understanding towards each other and "are accepting the logic of what the opposite side is saying". He went on:

"Actually the climate is very good, in spite of the fact that they disagree on many issues. This is a situation we see very rarely. Both leaders want a solution, but not 'at any cost'. It is not sufficient to solve all problems. The positions of the sides are very far from each other on some issues. For example, as everybody knows, the property issue is very difficult, because the issue itself is difficult. The positions are different, but both sides are aware of how difficult this is. Both sides know that the other side has taken this position based on reasonable grounds and understand each other. They are trying to eliminate this difficulty [?] the important thing is the fact that even though they think differently on some issues, they are trying to solve this with mutual confidence. Until today, the other side has always been considered to be very bad or that it is directed by foreign forces or very ill intention was seen behind the steps they were taking [?] The negotiations cannot continue with the same momentum, we are advancing by increasing the agreed issues".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Turkes: "If the Greek Cypriot side shows goodwill, then we have hopes for a positive result to arise on the Cyprus problem"

Referring to the water transfer project from Turkey to the "TRNC", he said that the project has been completed and that the water has already started flowing in the "TRNC". Concerning the project, Turkes added that there are also some legal regulations that needed to be made and stressed also to the need for the issue of the distribution of the water to be examined again together with the "TRNC officials".

Supporting that this project is an important indication of friendship, Turkes added that Turkey has solved a very important issue in the "TRNC" that is the issue of the potable water.

Concerning the Cyprus negotiation talks, Turkes alleged that the Turkish Cypriot side has always shown a sincere and goodwill stance and added: "Without any exception and no matter with whom you speak, they all say that we are ready to undertake steps with goodwill. Due to the fact that I am a person coming from a family with Cypriot origin, I follow very closely this issue [the Cyprus problem] and the Greek Cypriot side with its insistence, keeps yet this approach: 'I cannot do anything else, I cannot step back, I cannot make any other gesture, the Turkish Cypriot side should make some moves'. Also, there is the approach 'I cannot leave my place, you should give to me'. (?) There are two communities here. No matter of the population, it should become accepted that there are two communities", Turkes said.

Asked to comment about the settlers coming from Turkey, Turkes stated "In the other side, there are also people coming from Greece and Russia. Will you not take them into consideration?If the Greek Cypriot side is willing and have good intentions then we have hopes for a positive result on the Cyprus problem".

(AK)

[10] The Egyptian Ambassador to Nicosia visited Atalay

According to a statement issued by the "religious affairs department", Mubarak expressed the belief that the communication between Atalay and Archbishop II Chrysostomos will significantly contribute to peace. He said that they consider the efforts exerted between the religious leaders in Cyprus on the issue of peaceful coexistence as a model for the area and the world.

Mubarak noted that his duties in Cyprus have started recently and that he preferred paying his first visit to the "religious affairs department". He further said that he is ready to offer any kind of support on issues related with peace.

On his part, Atalay said that their target is to support the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups, become a model for peaceful coexistence and at least make a beginning on this issue. He argued that the relations between Egypt and Cyprus have a long and healthy history and underlined the need for the Egyptian people to know the Turkish Cypriot "people" more intimately.

(I/Ts.)

[11] The KTTO to attend the "Eurochamber Economic Forum" in Luxemburg

According to the paper, the Chamber will be represented at the Forum by its chairman Fikri Toros, the member of its administration board Mustafa Genc and the representative of the Chamber in Brussels, Lale Sener. The Forum which is hosted by the Chamber of Trade of Industry of Luxembourg will start today and finish tomorrow.

(AK)

[12] Harmanci carried out contacts in Ankara

According to the paper, Mayors from 20 different countries attended the meeting.

In the framework of the summit, Harmanci held a constructive meeting with the Mayor of Sarajevo Ivo Komsic and his accompanied delegation. Both decided to develop cooperation and share experiences from their towns.

(AK)

[13] Chinese businessmen visited the illegal Keryneia American University

According to a press release by "GAU", the Chinese delegation was briefed on the management of GAU and on the project of the "Smart Health Complex". During the meeting, Akpinar said that there is an important potential of cooperation between them on the tourism field. They also discussed steps that can be taken on the tourism sector and investments that can be carried out in different fields.

Akpinar said that their guests will evaluate their proposal regarding opening specific programmes of their academic faculties in China. He added that "GAU" offers a summer course of two weeks for children age 4-14 from China, who accompany their parents in the summer courses.

(DPs)

[14] The "municipality" of occupied Lefka became an official member of Cittaslow International

In statements to a correspondent of illegal TAK, the "mayor" of the "municipality of Lefka" Aziz Kaya, stated that he will attend an event on November 7 in the town of Falkoping in Sweden where he will be presented with the Cittaslow membership certification and its flag.

The "municipality" of occupied Lefka is the second "municipality" which achieved to become members of Cittaslow, after Agios Sergios "municipality".

**Translator's note: [Cittaslow is a movement founded in Italy and inspired by the Slow Food organization. Cittaslow's goals include improving the quality of life in towns by slowing down its overall pace, especially in a city's use of spaces and the flow of life and traffic through them.]

(AK)

[15] The "European National Teams Billiard Championship" takes place in the occupied area of Cyprus with the participation of foreign countries

As the paper writes, 32 athletes from seven different countries, that is the occupation regime, Finland, Belarus, the Netherlands, Turkey, Norway and Russia are participating the championship.

(AK)

[16] Demirtas confirmed that a group of militants affiliated with ISIL plans to assassinate him

"We received intelligence from reliable sources that there were plans to plot an assassination against me. We have tried to tighten security and of course share this information with the authorities. But it [the government] is busy protecting ISIL rather than us," Demirtas stated.

(CS)

[17] Court issues total media ban over Ankara suicide bombings

According to the court decision, the ban includes "all kinds of news, interviews, criticism and similar publications in print, visual, social media and all kinds of media on the Internet" covered by the investigation.

All media outlets in the country have officially been notified of the decision, which brings in one of the broadest recent media bans, effective immediately.

In addition, on Oct. 12, a restriction decision was given about the bombing investigation over the prosecutor's demand. According to the decision, lawyers will not be able to take information and documents from the file with some exceptions. The same decision had been made over both the Suruc and Diyarbakir bomb attacks earlier this year.

Speaking to Reuters on Oct. 14, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said some of the suspects in the suicide bombing that killed at least 97 people in Ankara had spent months in Syria and that they could be linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "We are working on [investigating] two terrorist organizations, Daesh [ISIL] and the PKK, because we have certain evidence regarding the suicide bombers having links with Daesh, but also some linkages with PKK groups," Davutoglu said.

[18] Former President Gul calls Demirtas expresses condolences over Ankara bombing

In his remarks, made during a funeral of a bombing victim in the southeastern province of Batman, Demirtas said that Turkey's 11th President called him on Tuesday to express his sorrow for the victims. "I see this as owing the relatives of victims a debt. Yesterday, ex-President Abdullah Gul called me and extended his condolences. This is my duty and I would like to extend this message to families in pain. May God bless him," Demirtas stated.

[19] Turkey reveals location of planned third nuclear plant

In a meeting with state-run Anadolu Agency editors yesterday, Alaboyun stated that Chinese firms and U.S.-based Westinghouse are the potential bidders for the project, while Japanese firms also show interest in the third nuclear plant.

The Igneada district is located some 10 kilometers south of Turkey's border with Bulgaria and famous for its natural beauty and beach, which is likely to raise questions as to its environmental impact. It is also located in Turkey's industrial powerhouse Thrace region and roughly 100 kilometers northwest of Istanbul's western suburbs. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(CS/ AM)

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