Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-01-29

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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] Eide met with Ak?nc?; Statements by Eide

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the tripartite summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel

[03] Ozgurgun: A time table must be put on the Cyprus negotiations

[04] Atun: The water from Turkey will secure strategic gains to the Turkish Cypriots

[05] Two new hospitals in the occupied area of Cyprus

[06] Erdogan: "No room for autonomy seekers"

[07] Erdogan kicks off campaign for a presidential system and a new Constitution

[08] The EU is 'deeply concerned' by life sentences demanded for journalists Dundar and Gul

[09] Turkey tops ECHR's list in freedom of expression violations in 2015

[10] Turkish professor to stand trial for insulting Erdogan

[11] Turkey's population tops 78 million in 2015

[12] Data on Turkey's numbers on tourism; Turkey saw sharp drop in visitors from Russia and Europe in 2015

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eide met with Ak?nc?; Statements by Eide

Speaking after his meeting with Akinci, Eide said that they held a positive meeting since he had found the opportunity to discuss the strong international support given to the process at the World Economic Summit in Davos.

Eide said further that the support of the international community for a solution in Cyprus is stronger than ever.

Responding to a question concerning the initiative of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades to make Turkish an official EU language, Eide said that this was an important initiative and a positive development.

Also, touching upon tomorrow's meeting between the two leaders; Eide said that the two leaders will be determining how to move the process forward.

Eide also said that it is of the utmost importance that the two leaders intensified their efforts towards achieving convergences on the thorniest of the issues at the table. "My colleagues and I will be waiting for proposals and suggestions on how we can help the process move forward", Eide added.

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covered the tripartite summit between Cyprus, Greece and Israel

Under the banner front-page title "Important summit in the south", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper reports that a memorandum on the administration of water resources was signed during the summit and cooperation on other issues and mainly the energy sector was decided. According to the paper, after the summit, President Anastasiades and the Prime Ministers of Greece and Israel, Alexis Tsipras and Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the cooperation between their countries is not aimed against any other country. Also on its front page, the paper refers to statements made during the press conference held after the summit by the Greek Prime Minister, who said that the solution in Cyprus must be for the benefit of both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriots and underlined the importance of finding an agreement which safeguards the security of all Cypriots and gives the opportunity to develop security. Within this framework, there is no need for guarantees and guarantors, added Tsipras.

Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper refers to the same issue under the banner front-page title "Turkey is totally sidelined" and reports that an agreement was signed for transferring the Israeli gas to Europe through Greece, after similar agreements signed to transfer the natural gas of Cyprus and Egypt to Europe through the same route. Noting that the three leaders referred to a "historic step", the paper writes that "in this manner the expectations that the natural gas will be transferred through Turkey in case of a solution in Cyprus have stopped being on the agenda". The paper adds that it is curious about Turkey's steps now "against this strategic action of the Greek Cypriot-Greece duo that is totally based on the enmity against Turkey by taking Egypt and Israel by their side".

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper refers to the issue under the banner front-page title "They left the door open" and points out that the agreement was signed in a period during which attention is drawn to the contribution the solution of the Cyprus problem to the regional energy policies. The paper reports that experts have expressed the view that the agreement between Cyprus, Greece and Israel has not closed the door for cooperation with Turkey and the "TRNC", as the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the island is described.

Under the banner front-page title "This summit is different", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper reports that "this development which happened after the normalization of the relations of Turkey with Israel is evaluated in political circles as a part of the solution" in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen and Star Kibris newspapers cover the issue under the title "They are being united on natural gas and electricity", while Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi refers to a "Very comprehensive tripartite alliance".

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis publishes the issue under the title "Tsipras: We want a solution without guarantees".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozgurgun: A time table must be put on the Cyprus negotiations

Ozgurgun who issued a written statement was replying to recent statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides about the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Ozgurgun argued that the progress of the negotiations show that the Greek Cypriot side is trying to waste time, will lead the Turkish Cypriots to get into the status of minority, will put in danger the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots and give an end to the Turkish guarantees.

He also stated that UBP demands that the end of 2016 is the time limit that must be put for the Cyprus negotiations.

(CS)

[04] Atun: The water from Turkey will secure strategic gains to the Turkish Cypriots

In statements yesterday, Atun argued that the water should be distributed by the private sector in a manner by which the biggest benefits to the Turkish Cypriot capital holders are secured and the "state's" responsibility should be administrated in the best manner.

Atun expressed the view that the water will give strategic advantages to the Turkish Cypriot side with the solution of the Cyprus problem and argued that the island will be revived with this water which will contribute in the further development of the economy by increasing the production in all sectors.

"Together with a possible solution, it is important for the water, which will be given for the use of the entire island, to be under the control of the Turkish Cypriot businessmen and there are advantages which it will bring", he argued.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Two new hospitals in the occupied area of Cyprus

The "minister of public works, environment and culture" Kutlu Evren stated that the project for the new hospital in occupied Morfou is completed. According to Evren, the new hospital which will include 13 different policlinics will cover an area of 14,000 square meters and will have a capacity of 60 beds.

In addition, the paper also reports that Kutsal Ozturk the rector of the illegal Keryneia American University (GAU) stated that the new GAU Hospital will be ready to take patients in 2017. Ozturk stated that the investment will be beneficial for the greater Keryneia area and added that the hospital will be able to offer services to tourists as well.

(CS)

[06] Erdogan: "No room for autonomy seekers"

"It should be known that we will bring the whole world down on those who seek to establish a state within a state under the name of autonomy and self-governance", Erdogan said during an event in Istanbul.

A number of mayors and district mayors have appeared in court as they made statements calling for autonomy and leading figures from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), which focuses on the Kurdish issue, have been sued. Criminal investigations were launched against HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag as they made statements on self-governance.

"What do we say? One flag," Erdogan said, adding that no flag other than the Turkish flag could fly in the sky while noting that its color was red because of the martyrdom of innumerable soldiers for the integrity of the Turkish homeland.

Dismissing autonomy calls made amid an environment of violence between Turkish security forces and outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, Erdogan said the same action would be taken against autonomy seekers as was taken before against followers of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, which leading figures from the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdogan and his inner circle accuse of forming and heading a purported terrorist organization.

(?)

[07] Erdogan kicks off campaign for a presidential system and a new Constitution

Erdogan, who won Turkey's first direct presidential election held on Aug. 10, 2014, said that a head of state elected by the people should be more than a symbolic role. Before the presidential election in August 2014, the Parliament elected the country's President.

Speaking during a meeting titled: "Together for a New Constitution" at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce's (ATO) Congresium Hall, Erdogan said that he believes the parliamentary system in Turkey is outdated, emphasizing that the current situation, in which both the Prime Minister and President are popularly elected, is unsustainable.

"In building the 'New Turkey,' we think Turkey needs an executive presidential system and a new Constitution. This discussion should not be presented as a matter of my own personal ambition," Erdogan also said.

Erdogan said further that making a new Constitution is no longer the concern of a certain institution or individual, but is now that of the whole nation, adding: "This issue is domestic and national. I clearly say that as the President, I will be involved in any national issue. All the Constitutions that have been established in Turkey so far were all imported; they were not national at all. Those imported mindsets dominated us [for years]. Now, we are returning to a domestic and national one."

"If the presidential system is the right choice for Turkey's future, then it should be put into practice," said Erdogan, urging for the establishment of this "Turkish-style" presidential system as soon as possible.

"The people, not the Parliament, should ultimately decide on the new text", Erdogan said, apparently signaling a possible referendum in the upcoming months.

(?)

[08] The EU is 'deeply concerned' by life sentences demanded for journalists Dundar and Gul

Dundar and Gul have been in jail since they were arrested on November 26, 2015 for publishing photos of weapons which their paper alleged were transferred to Syria in trucks operated by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT). The indictment prepared for them showed that the prosecutor seeks an aggravated life sentence, a life sentence and 30 years of imprisonment on separate charges, including obtaining secret information pertaining to the security of the state and revealing information that should be kept secret.

Answering to the paper's questions, Kocijancic expressed the expectations of the EU for Turkey to ensure that "its legislation is implemented in a manner which is in line with European standards enshrined in the European Convention for Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights."

Kocijancic also highlighted that it is up to the relevant political and judicial authorities in Turkey to ensure that the inalienable right for an independent and transparent investigation in the case of any alleged wrongdoing, with full respect of the rights of the defendants, is respected.

"Freedom of expression must also be upheld, in line with the Copenhagen political criteria; an intimidating climate goes against this," Kocijancic concluded.

US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner also criticized charges against the Cumhuriyet's newspaper's staff on Wednesday. "We're obviously very troubled by the reports," Toner told reporters at a daily press briefing.

[09] Turkey tops ECHR's list in freedom of expression violations in 2015

The court determined a violation of freedom of expression in a total 28 cases throughout 2015, 10 of which were committed by Turkey, the ECHR's annual statistics revealed. Turkey more than tripled the violations of its closest follower, France, which has three rulings against it.

Turkey's record on cases involving freedom of expression violations is not new, as the country single-handedly committed more violations than the rest of the member states combined in 2014, committing 24 of the total 47 violations.

While Turkey's negative record on freedom of expression violation stands out, the country's most pressing problem with regards to its responsibilities under the European Convention on Human Rights is the right to a fair trial.

In 2015, the court ruled on 87 cases brought against Turkey and at least one violation was found in 79 of the cases.

Twenty of the 120 violations were on the right to a fair trial. This was followed by a lack of effective investigation on inhuman or degrading treatment (14), the right to liberty and security (13) and the lack of effective investigation on the right to life (13).

This figure fits the general pattern of the court's overall findings, as annual statistics reveal the right to a fair trial was the subject matter in which the highest percentage of violations were determined across member states of the Council of Europe (CoE).

According to data made public by the ECHR, a violation of the right to a fair trial was found in 24.18% of all cases where the judge determined a violation of the convention. A close second was the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment (23.6%), and the third was the right to liberty and security (15.63%).

Overall, Turkey is the state with the second highest number of judgments, second only to Russia with 109 judgments against it.

However, the country tops the list if one considers all of the court's rulings between 1959, when it was established, and 2015.

According to the data, Turkey was found in violation of at least one article in a total 3,182 cases. Turkey's closest followers are Italy and Russia with 2,336 and 1,720 judgments against them, respectively.

[10] Turkish professor to stand trial for insulting Erdogan

Professor Orsan K. Oymen said on January 27 that he faces up to four years in prison for the article published in the opposition Ayd?nl?k newspaper in April. The trial is set for February 4.

Oymen denies insulting Erdogan, saying that the President is "unable to distinguish strong criticism from an insult."

[11] Turkey's population tops 78 million in 2015

According to the report, Turkey's official population was at 78,741,053 at the end of 2015. The study was conducted through the Address-Based Central Population Registration System (ABPRS), which uses the National Address Database to track the number of people living at registered addresses.

The population increased by 1.34% from the previous year, and was up by 1.33% in 2014. Males made up 50.2% (39,511,191) of the total population, while 49.8% (39,299,862) were females, according to the report.

(?)

[12] Data on Turkey's numbers on tourism; Turkey saw sharp drop in visitors from Russia and Europe in 2015

A total of 36.2 million foreign people visited the country in 2015, according to the data.

The number of Russian visitors to Turkey decreased to 3.65 million in 2015 from around 4.5 million in 2014, amid Russia's economic troubles. The decline was accelerated after the diplomatic crisis between Russia and Turkey erupted on November 24, 2015, with the number of Russian tourists visiting Turkey decreasing by around 46.9% in December 2015 compared to the same month of 2014.

Overall, foreign arrivals declined by around 7.3% to 1.46 million in December 2015 compared to the same month of 2014.

Despite the drop, the Russian market remained the second largest source of foreign arrivals for Turkey, with over 10% of the total. The number one source of arrivals was Germany, which took around 15.5% of the total with around 5.6 million visitors, while the U.K. was the third top source of foreign arrivals to Turkey, with a share of around 7% of the total.

The number of European tourists visiting Turkey fell in 2015. The number of Italian tourists decreased by 27% and the number of French tourists fell by 18% in 2015 compared to the previous year. The number of arrivals from Japan also declined by around 40%.

According to sector representatives, escalating security concerns played a big role in explaining the drop in visitors from Europe.

The number of arrivals from the Middle East and the Gulf increased sharply in 2015 compared to the previous year, although the figures were still much lower compared to the arrivals from Europe.

The number of arrivals from Saudi Arabia rose by 31% to around 450,000 in 2015 compared to 2014. Arrivals from Bahrain also saw an increase of 34% to around 32,500 in the same period.

There was also a sharp increase in arrivals from China, with the number of Chinese visitors increasing by 57% to over 313,000 in 2015 compared to the previous year. An increase of 20% was also seen in the Israeli market, with around 224,500 arrivals from Israel in 2015 compared to 2014.

Tourism revenue is very important for Turkey, accounting for around 4.5% of the country's $800-billion economy and playing a crucial role in closing its multi-billion-dollar current account gap. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/ AM)

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