Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-02-03

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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] Colak met with the Qatari Minister of Education

[02] Ozersay: People and the HP will not support a solution without guarantees

[03] Ozyigit: "We are in favor of the current guarantorship system"

[04] Turkish daily reveals CHP's report on its positions on the Cyprus problem; CHP estimates that the solution is not behind the door

[05] The immovable property prices in the occupied area of Cyprus increase with the activity in the negotiating process

[06] A delegation from the occupation regime to visit Ankara next week to finalize the deal on the water management

[07] Parties and organizations expressed support to Afrika newspaper after the recent attack

[08] Survey shows that Ozersay's HP is the first party in the occupied area of Cyprus and that "cautious optimism" exists on the Cyprus problem

[09] The number of deaths in the occupied area of Cyprus from H1N1 virus has reached to 4; "No risk from Zika virus", said the so-called minister

[10] Row between the government and HDP over stranded Cizre civilians escalated; statements by Demirtas

[11] Turkish academic and a journalist face jail for 'terror propaganda' and for "insulting Erdogan"

[12] Bozkir due to Paris and Brussels for official contacts

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Colak met with the Qatari Minister of Education

According to a statement issued by the "information department" of Colak's "ministry", she briefed her interlocutor on the higher education sector in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus and told him that they desire to develop cooperation between the "two countries" and see more students from Qatar in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Colak alleged that the illegal universities in the occupied area of Cyprus offer education at international levels and are internationally accredited.

Minister Al-Hammadi expressed his satisfaction with Colak's visit and said that cooperation between the universities of the "two countries" would be very useful.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Ozersay: People and the HP will not support a solution without guarantees

Alleging that the Turkish Cypriot side does not talk enough on the guarantees, Ozersay argued: "Insecurity increases in the people because from the very beginning a statement was made by our side saying that this is not a taboo for us and because the Greek Cypriot press continuously bombs this issue. The way of balancing this is not by saying 'do not pay attention to the Greek Cypriot press but to us'. What we see in all areas we go, in all villages is the following: People's concern on security continues. The Treaty of Guarantees is one of the issues on which people is the most sensitive. The sensitivity on this issue does not change depending on age, area, income level, party origin. People are generally sensitive. We as the People's Party are stressing on the one hand the established UN parameters and on the other the need for the solution being digested by both peoples. When you look at the history of the negotiations, you see that the guarantees have been turned into a UN parameter. Of course, the way of exactly how this will continue is an issue of the negotiations. And this will be made with the participation of the guarantors. However, the feeling I have acquired from the visits I paid to the villages is that people will not support a solution which will not have a Treaty of Guarantees. [?]"

Ozersay said that perhaps not many problems were created since the partial lifting of the restriction on the freedom of movement and the opening of the crossing points in 2003, but alleged that the feeling exists in the people that the attacks against Turkish Cypriots who cross over to the government-controlled area of the Republic and causing damages to their vehicles have started in a systematic manner. He claimed that the guarantees have become a UN parameter because a Treaty of Guarantees is included in all the UN solution plans which have been submitted until today.

"It is out of the question for the People's Party to support a solution which will not be satisfying the people", he argued and added that in the program of HP reference is made to the UN parameters and to a solution accepted by both "peoples".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ozyigit: "We are in favor of the current guarantorship system"

Stating that TDP support the continuation of the current guarantorship system until the two sides regain their trust, Ozyigit added that the main goal should be the demilitarization of the island which would include the British bases as well.

Underlining that their hopes for the solution of the Cyprus problem increase every passing day, Ozyigit said that the approaches of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at the negotiating table reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriots.

(?)

(AK)

[04] Turkish daily reveals CHP's report on its positions on the Cyprus problem; CHP estimates that the solution is not behind the door

The delegation met with the so-called prime minister Omer Kalyoncu, the former Turkish Cypriot leaders Mehmet Ali Talat and Dervis Eroglu and the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot political parties.

The chairman of the committee, Ozturk Yilmaz, who was leading the delegation, explained that they visited Cyprus at a crucial period where the Cyprus negotiation process is in progress, in order to support, as he said, the Turkish Cypriots in their effort to find a viable solution.

In the report prepared, the delegations' head Yilmaz indicated that "the solution is not behind the door". The report said also that there is a serious difference of opinion between the "government" and the opposition parties in the "TRNC", while at the same time it criticized the AKP government for not informing the opposition in Turkey for the process.

In his statements Yilmaz said that "they are not in favor of a solution at any price" and referred to the criteria they put for the solution: "The solution should absolutely be based on the political equality of the two sectors. The features of the two founding states should not be eroded. In a real sense, a viable solution would be possible only with the establishment of two founding states. Turkey's and Turkish Cypriot's fundamental rights and interests should be guaranteed. And the most important is the continuation of Turkey's effective guarantees", the report said.

The editorial underlines that this is the position of CHP on the solution of the Cyprus problem and adds that in fact, CHP supports the "establishment of a structure composed by two sovereign founding states". (?)

(AK)

[05] The immovable property prices in the occupied area of Cyprus increase with the activity in the negotiating process

In statements to the paper, Sungur noted that because of the process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, a "serious increase" in the price of what he called as "property with a Turkish title deed" was observed recently. He said that the price of the plots of land in occupied Keryneia has increased to 200-250 thousand pounds sterling per donum [Translator's note: A land measure of around 1000 square meters] and added that for plots which are on the main road this price reaches millions of pounds.

He argued that uncertainty exists in the community and that the "people" are not satisfactorily informed as regards the negotiations. Pointing out that they know the Greek Cypriot members of the Property Committee, he noted that they are not informed about the names of the Turkish Cypriot members.

Sungur argued that even he was panicked when he heard some statements made by the chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Mehmet Ali Talat, who had allegedly said that "if you are an investor and you possess many Greek Cypriot properties, a part of these properties will be taken away from you". Sungur noted that at a meeting they had with the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, Ozdil Nami they found out that the above statement was not reflecting the reality.

Expressing appreciation about Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's stance, he claimed that the "government" should be involved in the solution process and brief the people in order to avoid panic.

Referring to the "laws" of the regime, he claimed that they do not offer motives to the foreign investors and alleged that "we are sending away the contribution which the foreign investors will bring to the country".

(I/Ts.)

[06] A delegation from the occupation regime to visit Ankara next week to finalize the deal on the water management

According to the paper, the draft proposal sent last week to Ankara by so-called prime minister Omer Kalyoncu which included the "sensitivities and positions of both parties CTP and UBP towards the water management", was met positively by Ankara. Thus, the delegation will be travelling to Ankara by the beginning of next week in order to finalize the deal on the water transfer project, writes the paper.

The delegation will meet with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister, Responsible for Cyprus affairs, Tugrul Turkes and the Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs, Veysel Eroglu.

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (03.02.16), Kalyoncu confirmed to illegal Bayrak that they had received an official invitation from Ankara to meet, after the draft they sent had been reviewed.

(AK)

[07] Parties and organizations expressed support to Afrika newspaper after the recent attack

Statements supporting Afrika and condemning the attack were, inter alia, issued by the Journalists' Association, the Press Workers Trade Union (Basin-Sen) the Teachers' Trade Union (KTOS), the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and the United Cyprus Party (BKP).

Meanwhile, writing in his column in Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (03.02.16), columnist Serhat Incirli explains why he will vote "yes" to a possible solution to the Cyprus problem and refers to the attack against Afrika. Criticizing the system which exists in the occupied area of Cyprus and giving examples to justify his views, Incirli argues that Afrika's publisher Sener Levent and his colleagues will never find out who put that dead dog in front of their door, "just like they have not found out who had put bombs" to their newspaper in the past. He adds the following:

"[?] What is the relation? It is because the aim of Levent and his colleagues or some handful of persons who think like them is to get rid of this 'false system'. The problem of the rest of us is the continuation of this 'false system'. Could I make myself clear? Have you understood better now why the Cyprus problem should be solved? Have we understood? If the Cyprus problem is solved, this 'false system', this 'fake order of things' will end. The reason of saying 'no' is only the gain from the false system. Did you say that Morfou should not be given? My souls, the property should be returned to its owner, whoever this owner is. And this must happen now, immediately. It is enough for us to be included into the 'legal system'. Let us get rid of this 'false' and 'fake' system. That is, when a referendum comes, it is definitely 'yes'".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Survey shows that Ozersay's HP is the first party in the occupied area of Cyprus and that "cautious optimism" exists on the Cyprus problem

The telephone survey was conducted in January 2016 with the participation of 500 persons.

Mine Yucel, director of the CMIRS, has said that the People's Party (HP) established by Kudret Ozersay and the intensive negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem have made the community feeling that it exerts higher influence on politics and the Cyprus problem.

Having 5 as the highest score, the [average] influence which the Turkish Cypriots think that they have on certain issues is the following: environment 3.48, human rights 3.33, health 3.15, the Cyprus problem 2.70, economy 2.64 and politics 2.53.

Yucel said that this development caused a "cautious optimism" on the issue of politics and the possibility of a solution to the Cyprus problem. She noted that nearly 80% of the community exhibited a wish for a solution to the Cyprus problem, but only 41% are optimistic that a solution could be reached. As regards the way they will vote in a possible referendum, Yucel said that the tendency is clear in the community as the great majority says that they will study the agreement and decide accordingly.

Asked for which party they will vote in case of "elections" next Sunday, the participants in the survey replied as follows: National Unity Party (UBP) 12.63%, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) 10.49%, Democratic Party (DP) 0.86%, Social Democracy Party (TDP) 2.78%, New Cyprus Party (YKP) 0.43%, United Cyprus Party (BKP) 0.21%, People's Party (HP) 22.7%, mixed votes 7.92% and undecided 13.28%. Moreover, 28.69% of the participants said that they would not vote.

(I/Ts.)

[09] The number of deaths in the occupied area of Cyprus from H1N1 virus has reached to 4; "No risk from Zika virus", said the so-called minister

Gur said that 53% of the tests made until so far at the "state hospital" were positive while the 47% of the cases were diagnosed with other type of illnesses.

Gur stated further that three people who were diagnosed with the H1N1 virus are at the intensive care unit. He, however, called for calm and not panic, adding that they have everything under control. Gur said that according to experts the virus will continue to exist until March.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli (03.02.16) reports that so-called minister of health, Salih Izbul commenting on the Zika virus infection which caused alarm in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus, said that "north Cyprus" is not under risk from the Zika virus. He added that the "experts" were informed towards the virus, that they will take measures and alleged that they are in full cooperation with the World Health Organization.

(AK)

[10] Row between the government and HDP over stranded Cizre civilians escalated; statements by Demirtas

Ambulances have been sent to the venue various times but came under fire in each attempt, Interior Minister Efkan Ala told reporters on Februrary 2. Meanwhile, the HDP has said that seven of the trapped civilians have already died.

"They couldn't go because of shots fired and holes and barricades dug by terrorists," Ala said, referring to alleged militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "A fiction has been made to bring the fight against terror to a halt while it is about reaching success," he said.

Earlier that day in Parliament, HDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas warned about probable impacts of ongoing military operations against PKK militants, which he says has been victimizing civilians, while also appealing to people to raise their voice about plight of the 28 civilians.

"If we have been lying about the basement floor in Cizre, then proving this lie would take only a minute. Why are you preventing access to the building?" Demirtas asked at a parliamentary group meeting of his party.

"I want to call on my Turkish siblings. What is going on at the moment is not for the good of Turkish people. Each human losing his life is ours. They are able to do this because you remain silent. There is no Turkish-Kurdish conflict. There is a war declared by the AKP [the ruling Justice and Development Party] against Kurds here and in Rojava," Demirtas said.

"Each house that the AKP state has destroyed in Sur and each apartment that it has bombed in Cizre is leading to emotional breakdowns in Izmir and Istanbul too", Demirtas added.

[11] Turkish academic and a journalist face jail for 'terror propaganda' and for "insulting Erdogan"

In the final exam of his course titled: "Political life and institutions in Turkey," Assistant Professor Doctor Resat Bar?s Unlu asked students to compare a 1978 leaflet by Ocalan with a more recent piece from 2012 in terms of its implications for Turkey's Kurdish question.

"Compare Abdullah Ocalan's 1978 leaflet 'The Manifesto of the Path of the Kurdistan Revolution' with his 2012 piece entitled 'Democratic Modernity as the Construction of Local System in the Middle East' with regard to their stances on concepts and phenomena such as colonialism, the nation-state, revolutionary violence and democracy," Unlu asked in the question.

He asked his students to consider this comparison in terms of global and local changes since 1978, as well as transformations undergone by the Kurdish movement and in Kurdish society.

However, the indictment against Unlu claims his question was an attempt to "legitimize" Ocalan's ideas and amounted to "terror propaganda."

Posing a question about Ocalan aimed at "legitimizing his opinions and imprinting on minds that he is a political leader," the indictment said, adding that this was both "terror propaganda and a compliment to the head of the illegal organization who is serving a life sentence."

The dean's office at Ankara University's prestigious Political Science Faculty has sent its academic judgment to the court, stressing the importance of academic autonomy and freedom of expression.

The office reportedly reminded the court that academics focusing on the issue had used Ocalan's writings numerous times.

The prosecutor in the case is demanding seven years in jail for Unlu, whose trial will be held at Ankara's Second Criminal Court for Serious Crimes on February 3.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.02.16) reports that an Istanbul prosecutor has demanded that daily Cumhuriyet's columnist Ozgur Mumcu to be sentenced to four years and eight months in jail for "insulting" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mumcu is being tried over an op-ed published on May 18, 2015 titled: "Tyrant and a coward," in which he blasted Erdogan's criticism of Hatice Comert, the mother of Gezi protest victim Abdullah Comert.

"It is well-known that tyrants are always fearful. They are so fearful that they would even file a complaint against someone like Abdullah Comert's mother," the piece read.

During the first hearing of the case on February 2 at Istanbul's Caglayan Courthouse, Mumcu denied that the article included any kind of insult.

"The piece is a critical text referring to [President Erdogan] complaint against the mother of Abdullah Comert after her statements following his death. This article was written following Erdogan's complaint, which had been widely reported in the media," Mumcu said at the trial.

"As a columnist, I used my right to criticize. I'm a lawyer and professor myself. The testimonies and annexes that we have presented to court include samples of European Court of Human Rights [ECHR] rulings and also domestic laws. Therefore, I do not accept the accusations," he added.

Hatice Ozay, the lawyer of Erdogan, defended the President's case, saying Mumcu described him in the column as "a tyrant who oppresses his people, treating them without mercy."

[12] Bozkir due to Paris and Brussels for official contacts

A statement by the EU Ministry said that Bozkir is scheduled to meet with French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir at a working lunch on February 3.

Bozkir will also meet members and chiefs of France's Foreign Affairs Ministry and the EU Commission. He will also give deliver a speech and address French Deputies.

Following his day-time meeting on Feb. 3, Bozk?r will join French businessmen at a dinner hosted by Turkey's Ambassador to France, Hakk? Akil, while Desir is also expected to be in attendance.

After his visit to Paris, Bozk?r is scheduled to visit Brussels to meet with the European Commissioner for Euro and Social Dialogue Valdis Dombrovskis and the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica.

Bozk?r will also meet with Turkish citizens living in Belgium at a meeting organized by the Belgian branch of the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD).

Bozk?r's official meetings in Paris and Brussels come at a time when the EU is reading to give Turkey 3 billion euro in order to reduce the influx of refugees to Europe and help Turkey to better cope with the 2.5 million Syrian migrants in its country. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/ AM)

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