Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-01-14

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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 calls for a four-party meeting in Davos

[02] Akinci: If you are sincere it is not important where you meet

[03] Akinci: Denktas was a great leader who had acted as a saviour and guide to the Turkish Cypriots

[04] Burcu: Those who will leave the areas to be given to the Greek Cypriots will be given a place to stay or a compensation

[05] Talat foresees a referendum on Cyprus in June

[06] Turkey's Assembly Speaker: "We support a solution based on the people's equality"

[07] "There will be no development in Turkey's EU negotiations if there is no solution to the Cyprus issue"

[08] Turkes: The Turkish Cypriots 'have priority' in water project

[09] Talat held a 3-hour meeting with Schulz

[10] Ozgur met with Singh

[11] The "municipalities" are split on the water issue

[12] Andreas Kettis paid visits to Turkish Cypriot political parties

[13] Movie about Erdogan's life to be filmed in occupied Trikomo

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticized the lack of Turkish translation during a ceremony for the annual awards of the best athletes in the Republic of Cyprus

[15] Sultanahmet suicide bomber identified as Syrian 'asylum seeker'

[16] Six killed, including children, in PKK attack on police headquarters in south-eastern Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci calls for a four-party meeting in Davos

In statements yesterday during one of his meetings, Akinci said that the UN Secretary-General has not yet expressed the intention of holding a three-party meeting with him and President Anastasiades. He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side never avoids such tripartite meetings alleging that the side which always avoids these meetings is the Greek Cypriot side.

Noting that his reply will be positive in case of such an invitation is made by the UNSG, Akinci recalled that the Prime Ministers of Turkey and Greece will also visit Davos to participate in the Forum and added: "I think that the four of us coming together and drinking coffee should not be avoided. Since all of us will be there, let us sit and talk. Let us try to understand each other".

Akinci said that he would be pleased if the UNSG Ban Ki moon participated in this meeting and pointed out that no five-party meeting is being prepared by the UN.

Arguing that the conditions have changed today, but the Turkish Cypriots' struggle to survive is continuing, Akinci added: "All our effort is to build the future in the best manner without giving concessions from our freedom, equality and security, because these three issues are the most important elements from the point of view of the people's personal life and communal life".

Recalling that bi-zonality and bi-communality, which are parameters of the solution, had been established during late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktas' time, Akinci said that he does not put away what the former Turkish Cypriot leaders had done and that he is trying to build the roof to the floor built by the former leaders.

Akinci alleged that the contribution of Turkey to the solution process is great and added that the share of the NGO's in this is very substantial.

Referring to the natural gas resources found in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the water brought from Turkey and the connection of the electricity networks, Akinci argued that all these could transform the island's geographical area.

Akinci alleged that transferring the natural gas found in Cyprus' and Israel's EEZ to Europe through Turkey is a very logical and cheap alternative. He said that an electric cable will be established between Israel and Cyprus with the target of connecting the network with the island of Crete and Europe and argued that it would be more reasonable to connect the cable from Cyprus through Turkey taking into consideration that Turkey is connected with Europe.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci: If you are sincere it is not important where you meet

In statements yesterday after a lunch with President Anastasiades at Chateau Status restaurant in the buffer zone in Nicosia within the framework of the meetings of the Turkish-Greek Forum, Akinci noted that no one should wait for any extraordinary development in Davos. He added that they have not yet received any invitation for a five-party meeting and expressed the view that this will not constitute a problem.

Akinci said that in the past he had the opportunity to participate in the Turkish-Greek Forum's meetings and added that they share the same views with the members of the Forum both on Cyprus, the region and the Turkish-Greek relations.

Akinci also noted that in Davos they will have the opportunity to explain the Turkish Cypriot views and listen to what is happening in the world. Asked whether they will meet with President Anastasiades in Davos, Akinci replied: "If we are sincere, it is not important where we meet. It could be in Nicosia, in Davos, in New York, but the way for solving the problem is to meet. The place is not important".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci: Denktas was a great leader who had acted as a saviour and guide to the Turkish Cypriots

"Denktas was a great leader who had acted as a saviour and guide to the Turkish Cypriots at a time of great turmoil when efforts had been made to wipe out the Turkish Cypriot identity from the island", Akinci stated.

In addition, Turkish daily Vatan newspaper (14.01.16) reports that speaking during the ceremony Akinci stated that the Turkish Cypriot side is exerting efforts for reaching a solution that will safeguard the freedom and the equality of the Turkish Cypriots. He also added that they are benefited from the point that the negotiations reached by late Rauf Denktas and from the things that he earned during the negotiations for the Turkish Cypriots.

[04] Burcu: Those who will leave the areas to be given to the Greek Cypriots will be given a place to stay or a compensation

Burcu also said that an incorrect perception has been formed during the debates on the issue of holding a referendum in March 2016 for the solution of the Cyprus problem. He noted that if there is a tangible ground for a solution, the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Cyprus could be postponed. He argued that an agreement which is not approved by the people will not be submitted to referendum.

Burcu argued that there are two important reasons for referring to March 2016. The one is the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Cyprus during which tension will increase and the other is that this is an important timetable for Turkey. He added: "If the Cyprus problem is heading towards a solution, Turkey's way towards the EU will be paved. While the debate about March is being conducted, an incorrect view and perception is being formed. If a tangible ground for a solution exists in the end of March, the elections in the south might be postponed and it could contribute positively to the evaluations of the EU".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Talat foresees a referendum on Cyprus in June

Noting that the parliamentary elections on May will be postponed, Talat said: "Referendum, later elections". Talat shared the following: "In other words, the content will come to light on March and will be opened for discussion. The elections in South (translator's note: the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Cyprus) will be postponed. Somehow referendum, later elections? The results of the negotiations will be in March and not the referendum. The referendum will be held in a reasonable time later. For example, in June?"

(DPs)

[06] Turkey's Assembly Speaker: "We support a solution based on the people's equality"

Kahraman, in a reception at the Parliament in honour of the Turkish Ambassadors who were in Turkey for the annual 8th Ambassadors' Conference, said that Cyprus is one of the unchanging agenda items of foreign policy and one of the troubled zones.

(DPs)

[07] "There will be no development in Turkey's EU negotiations if there is no solution to the Cyprus issue"

The official noted:

"If there is a solution in Cyprus, Turkey's visa exemption will be secured, the accession negotiations to the EU will be developed. 2016 might be a marvelous year on the occasion of the solution in Cyprus. [?] If the Cyprus problem is not solved, the visa exemption will be secured and summits will be held, but the accession negotiations will be put in danger. Everything is a little bit related to Cyprus".

The official expressed the view that the current climate in Cyprus is positive and it is assumed that a final solution will be reached within the first quarter of this year.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Turkes: The Turkish Cypriots 'have priority' in water project

"The priority is [Turkish] Cyprus'," stated while addressing Turkish Ambassadors in a conference in Ankara on January 13.

"Hopefully, we will also give [water] to the Greek Cypriot side too. Israel also needs [water], we can give it there too; it should be given [to Israel]," added Turkes.

Responding to questions after the conference, Turkes clarified the possibility of other states, including Greek Cyprus and Israel, to receive water from the project would only exist after the Turkish Cypriot community met its demands.

"Let's give [the water] to the [Turkish] Cypriot citizens. If there is remaining [water] then we can talk about the demands from the Greek Cypriot administration and other countries, if they have such a demand," said Turkes.

[09] Talat held a 3-hour meeting with Schulz

According to a statement issued by CTP, Talat and Ozsaglam held a three hour meeting with Schulz at the European Parliament. They discussed latest developments on the Cyprus talks and the EU harmonization process.

(DPs)

[10] Ozgur met with Singh

According to a statement issued by the self-styled ministry, Singh, who had arrived to the island the day before yesterday, conveyed to Ozgur his views regarding the economic difficulties which could be experienced after a possible agreement in the ongoing talks between the community leaders and the opportunities to be created. Singh was also briefed on the economy of the "TRNC".

In statements during the meeting, Ozgur said that the structural reforms are very important for them and that they are carrying out "very intensive" reforms to prepare for the conditions that will be created with the solution. Ozgur noted that Turkey helps the "TRNC" in this process and added that the help of the USA and the EU in parallel to Turkey's contribution for the solution and the sustainability of peace will give them strength.

Noting that after the solution, the "new Cyprus" will not face financial difficulties and that a sound transitional period will be needed, Ozgur said that USA's sensitivity on this issue increases their belief in the solution process.

Ozgur wished for his meeting with Singh to be useful in the solution of the Cyprus problem and drew attention to the importance of such visits. He finally thanked Singh for his interest.

(I/Ts.)

[11] The "municipalities" are split on the water issue

The so-called mayors of occupied Morphou, Keryneia and Ayios Epiktitos, Mahmut Ozcinar, Nidai Gungordu and Mehmet Hulusioglu respectively announced that they support the agreement between Turkey and the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus).

Meanwhile, seven "mayors" of occupied Famagusta, Trikomo, Pergamos, Vadili, Komi Kepir, Akanthou and Assia sent a signed letter to the chairman of "BESKI" Ahmet Benli asking the freezing of the activities of "BESKI".

Benli replied to them that within the framework of the legal responsibilities of the "municipalities", they can find a solution to their problem. He added that he will evaluate their request.

(DPs)

[12] Andreas Kettis paid visits to Turkish Cypriot political parties

Within this framework, Kettis paid separate visits to the Social Democratic Party (TDP) and the New Cyprus Party (YKB).

Speaking after his visits Kettis said that they were hopeful about the current negotiations process and were expecting a 'successful' outcome.

The meeting held at the TDP general headquarters last for 45 minutes. A statement released afterwards said that the meeting had focused on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well as other evaluations on issues on the "country's" agenda.

For his part, the Secretary of the Executive Committee of the New Cyprus Party Murat Kanatli laid emphasis to the importance of more participation of Turkish Cypriots in the activities of the European Parliament.

[13] Movie about Erdogan's life to be filmed in occupied Trikomo

According to the paper, the filming for the movie "Reis" (leader) will start on January 22 in an area of occupied Trikomo village which is transformed for the movie's need into 1950s "Kasimpasa", the neighborhood located in Istanbul that Erdogan spent his childhood.

Speaking to the paper, "Reis'" director Ali Avci stated that Cyprus climate is ideal for filming and added that the movie will help towards attracting tourism in the breakaway regime.

(CS)

[14] Turkish Cypriot columnist criticized the lack of Turkish translation during a ceremony for the annual awards of the best athletes in the Republic of Cyprus

Commenting on the issue, sport journalist Fevzi Beyar criticized the organizers of the event of not providing Turkish translation for the Turkish Cypriot guests. He argued that the fact that the event was in Greek shows lack of respect, lack of hospitality and an amateur preparation adding that the chairman of Anorthosis Famagusta Chris (surname not mentioned) was sitting next to him and translated in English the talks of speakers.

He also added that great interest was shown for Cetinkaya delegation and everyone wish that the Turkish Cypriot team would play in the Championship of the Republic of Cyprus.

(CS)

[15] Sultanahmet suicide bomber identified as Syrian 'asylum seeker'

The bomber, identified as 28-year-old Nabil Fadli, applied for asylum at the Zeytinburnu Migration Management Directorate in the Istanbul district on Jan. 5, security sources said.

Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala confirmed that the man's fingerprints were on record with the Turkish authorities.

In addition, Turkish daily Sabah (14.01.16) reports that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that secret actors are behind the deadly suicide attack. Davutoglu held a press conference at Istanbul Governorate and underscored Turkey's determination to fight terrorism and find the perpetrators.

He accused the Assad regime of openly cooperating with the terrorist organization and said that Daesh militants were transferred to Northern Syria to fight moderate opposition with the help of the Assad regime. He said that nobody should think about punishing the civilian population in Syria and the moderate opposition forces for the sake of assisting Daesh.

Davutoglu also said that Turkish security forces have detained four suspects in connection with the deadly Istanbul blast. A total of five suspects have been detained in connection with the blast, as Interior Minister Efkan Ala said that a suspect with a link to the attack had been detained in Istanbul late Tuesday.

[16] Six killed, including children, in PKK attack on police headquarters in south-eastern Turkey

A one-year-old baby and a five-year old child were among those killed in the attack.

Thirty-nine people, including six police officers, were injured in the attack carried out by members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the Cinar district around 11:30 p.m., Diyarbakir Governor's Office said in a statement.

According to reports, PKK militants staged an attack against the police headquarters and the adjacent police dorms by detonating a car laden with explosives. The outlawed group simultaneously started a gun fight with long-barrelled weapons and rocket launchers, leading to clashes as police returned fire. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(CS / AM)

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