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

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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] Kalyoncu complains of Turkey's treatment towards the regime's delegation to Ankara; Disagreement among CTP members

[02] UBP gives to CTP an ultimatum regarding the water crisis issue

[03] Ozyigit said that the water management should be done by themselves otherwise their hands at the negotiating table will be weakened

[04] Akinci said that the Cyprus talks are going through a critical phase

[05] Akinci met with the Czech Ambassador to Cyprus

[06] Colak says that the single international identity is an indispensable part of the solution

[07] Caglar: The target is a solution in the autumn

[08] Siber confirmed that the "citizenship issue" was included into the agenda during the "parliamentary delegation's" recent contacts in Turkey

[09] Durduran accused Akinci of drawing new red lines with his statements on bi-zonality

[10] Burcu: Syria developments will not affect the Cyprus problem

[11] Positions at the "immovable property commission" are open

[12] Davutoglu vows not to allow the fall of Azaz in Syria

[13] Turkey protests US over being lumped together with 'terrorist' PYD

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Kalyoncu complains of Turkey's treatment towards the regime's delegation to Ankara; Disagreement among CTP members

Kalyoncu said that three issues were included in the text sent to Turkey and that there was not any issue that needed to be discussed for two days, but two days of bargaining was held without him understanding why.

Noting that the discussion of whether sewage waters leaked into the dam in Turkey is continuing, Kalyoncu expressed the view that the build-operate-transfer model for the water brought to the occupied area of Cyprus from Turkey is possible, but it would not be correct to get ahead of the "municipalities".

Kalyoncu said that the water resources will not be given to the private operator, but these will be controlled, as otherwise the aquifers could not be protected.

Meanwhile, Halkin Sesi reports also that Sibel Siber, "speaker" of the self-styled assembly, who also comes from the CTP and visited Turkey last week heading a "parliamentary delegation", said yesterday that in Ankara they discussed the population policy. During her address at the "assembly", Siber referred to the way Turkish officials treated her delegation and noted: "We were treated with respect in Turkey. We mutually talked. Our discussions were held within the framework of the state and courtesy rules".

Finally, the paper writes that in statements during one of his meetings yesterday, Birikim Ozgur, member of the CTP, self-styled finance minister of the regime and one of the four members of the Turkish Cypriot delegation which visited Ankara, argued that in Ankara they exhibited a "harsh stance" noting that they had sensitivities and interrupted the talks for a while saying that they would not sign the agreement. "We have shown a little bit harsh stance and the results we wanted were taken. We returned happy to the island", he said.

(I/Ts.)

[02] UBP gives to CTP an ultimatum regarding the water crisis issue

According to the paper, UBP will ask for the agreement reached with Turkey on the issue of the water administration to be signed by the "government"; otherwise it gives an ultimatum to the Republican Turkish Party (UBP) the other partner of the coalition" to leave the "government".

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (16.02.16) reports that Hasan Tacoy, the general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP) commenting on the tense relations between CTP-UBP stated that there is no need for new elections to be held since a new "government" can be formed from the current "deputies" and the other parties that participate in the "assembly". On his part, Hakan Dincyurek, "deputy" with the DP stated that "an open door was left for the forming of a government" between DP and UBP.

(CS)

[03] Ozyigit said that the water management should be done by themselves otherwise their hands at the negotiating table will be weakened.

During his visit to the occupied village Galatia, Ozyigit warned that to sell off from Turkish Cypriot "people" one by one their "institutions" in a period that the rotating presidency is being discussed at the negotiating table, may create an extremely dangerous situation for the future of the community, just as to weaken their hands at the negotiating table. Ozyigit wonders if they cannot administrate their own "institutions", like the water, electricity, schools, airports, with which people do they want the rotating presidency. He added: "In order to be able to insist on important issues for the political existence in the future of the Turkish Cypriots as the rotating presidency at the negotiating table, then it is very important to administrate by themselves their institutions".

Underlining that from this point of view it is very important the administration of the water, Ozgiyit said that the management of the water by the Turkish Cypriot "people" and their "institutions" should be perceived as a natural result.

(DPs)

[04] Akinci said that the Cyprus talks are going through a critical phase

Speaking during a reception last night, Akinci said that the Cyprus negotiations process is going through a critical phase. "The work we have been carrying out has raised our hopes for a settlement. Although we have yet to discuss and settle important issues such as territory, the guarantees and security, significant progress has been achieved on the 4 chapters", he added.

Akinci also expressed the hope that a mutually acceptable solution, one which both communities could embrace and comfortably approve could be reached. "Our goals are in this direction because we do not want to see a repetition of the situation in 2004 where one community voted overwhelmingly in favour of a settlement while the other rejected it. We are working with all our strength to get two yes votes?it's not easy. It's a challenge but we shall continue to try", he added.

[05] Akinci met with the Czech Ambassador to Cyprus

The latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process was discussed during the meeting held at Akinci's office.

Akinci's political adviser Meltem Onurkan Samani and coordinator for foreign relations Deniz Birinci were also present at the meeting.

No statement was issued to the press before or after the meeting.

[06] Colak says that the single international identity is an indispensable part of the solution

She said: "There will be a solution and there will be a single international identity. This is an inevitable precondition of the solution. Some persons have a sickly approach saying 'there will be a federal state with the Greeks, the Turkish Cypriot state is gone'. We will see this being clarified in time. We will not be like we are now".

Colak pointed out that the Cyprus problem is still a difficult problem to solve and issues such as the property and the guarantees become more difficult as time passes. "I do not think that fake optimism is pumped into the positive climate", she argued.

(I/Ts.)

[07] Caglar: The target is a solution in the autumn

Referring to a meeting they held last week in Strasbourg with a delegation of Greek Cypriot Deputies, Caglar said that the Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu had told them that if the communities agree on a text Turkey would not create a problem on the guarantees, but the security of the Turkish Cypriots is important for them. "The security of the Greek Cypriots is also important. I think that a formula will definitely be found on this issue", he noted and added: "Therefore, according to my prediction, this process will continue until the elections of the Greek Cypriots. I wish that even before the elections or even if there is no signature, the leaders will make a joint statement. The target is the autumn and my biggest wish is after the elections the issues of the territory and the guarantees to come onto the agenda [?]"

Referring to the representation of the Turkish Cypriots at the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (PACE), Caglar said that this is really very important for them and it is the only place in the world at which the Turkish Cypriots are "officially" represented. He noted that during the past ten years they are represented at the PACE, the body's decisions on Cyprus have become "more balanced".

(I/Ts.)

[08] Siber confirmed that the "citizenship issue" was included into the agenda during the "parliamentary delegation's" recent contacts in Turkey

Siber argued that Turkey supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal solution on the Cyprus problem and confirmed that the "population-citizenship issue" was also included onto the agenda of the meetings. "We held talks concerning our policy on the population issue", Siber said and added that the issue of those who have the "right" to be granted the "citizenship" and those who have not the "right" was included into the agenda.

Siber said further that during the meeting they evaluated the articles of the current "citizenship law" in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Also speaking, Zorlu Tore, "deputy" with the National Unity Party (UBP) referred to the contacts of the "parliamentary delegation" in Ankara and especially on the issue of the "citizenship" and said that the "citizenship" issue created a great discomfort in Turkey.

Calling the "government" to bring into the agenda the issue of "general amnesty", Tore pointed out that there are thousands of illegal persons living in the "TRNC" and explained also that the workers from Turkey who live in the "TRNC" experience a lot of difficulties.

Tore went on and stressed the need for those who live in the "TRNC" for 30 years to be granted the "citizenship" and added: "If we do this today, then the Turkish President would not have to do this kind of questions".

Commenting Erdogan's statement "Do not give Morfou", Tore alleged that Turkey is protecting its Cyprus cause.

He further said that the Turkish Cypriots will not withdraw from Turkey's active and effective guarantees.

Referring also to the "citizenship issue", Mehmet Cakici, "deputy" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP) said that the "citizenship law" is very clear but is wrong.

He added that since the "TRNC" is a small "country", it is not possible to grant "citizenship" to all those who are working there, pointing out the UK as an example.

Cakici said that a new "law" is necessary on this issue and accused the Turkish Cypriot politicians of remaining silent on this issue.

(AK)

[09] Durduran accused Akinci of drawing new red lines with his statements on bi-zonality

"The problem cannot be solved with leaders who are not honest between each other. Their intentions should be the same with what they say. (?)", Durduran stated.

Durduran called also all the political parties, democratic institutions and individuals who support the reunification of Cyprus, to resist and oppose to dishonest behaviors at the Cyprus negotiation process.

Referring to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's recent statement who explained that the Federal Cyprus to be, will be established with the abolishment of the current Republic of Cyprus, Durduran pointed out that in comparison, Anastasiades spoke about continuing having control on the Federal Cyprus and wondered to whom Anastasiades was referring to.

Evaluating also Akinci's latest statement who has stated "While speaking about bi-zonality we do not mean only the political majority. We will not approve any agreement which will not include clear majority in property and population in the north", Durduran said that with these statements, Akinci is putting forward new red lines and it proves that we are far away from the solution or peace.

Durduran also accused Akinci of not briefing them directly on the Cyprus negotiation process and called him to brief the "assembly" towards the latest developments on the Cyprus problem.

(AK)

[10] Burcu: Syria developments will not affect the Cyprus problem

Burcu stated that Turkey is a big country that deals with many issues as regards its foreign policy. He also said that the Cyprus talks will not be affected by the Syria development; however he said if the Cyprus problem is solved it will create a domino effect that will influence in a positive way the developments in the area.

(CS)

[11] Positions at the "immovable property commission" are open

According to the announcement, the positions of the "president", "vice president" and two "local members" are now open for applications until March 1, 2016.

(DPs)

[12] Davutoglu vows not to allow the fall of Azaz in Syria

"We will not allow the fall of Azaz. This must be clear to all in the world," Davutoglu told reporters Monday while en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. "For the moment, YPG elements have been driven out from Azaz's surroundings," he said, adding that a severe response will be made if the military wing of the terrorist PYD group tried to approach the Syrian district.

He also argued that PKK and YPG terrorist organizations are being used as tools by Russia to put Turkey under pressure. "Today PKK in Turkey [and] YPG in Syria are open instruments of Russia". He called the two groups "pawns of [Russia's] expansionist policy", adding: "Therefore, our position has the most legitimate basis".

The Turkish Premier also noted the attempts being made to destroy the moderate opposition in Syria and close the corridor between Aleppo and Turkey through YPG forces. Davutoglu said that Turkey's position towards the issue has been clear to all for a long time. "YPG will not cross to the west of Euphrates", he said, adding that the group will not be allowed pass to Azaz.

He said Turkey is taking every measure to protect its own security. "No country has been affected by developments in Syria like Turkey," he said. "Therefore, we will not hesitate to take security measures", he added.

Later, at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Davutoglu said that Russian airstrikes in Azaz region were continuing. "Even while we continued talks [with Ukrainian Premier], Russia attacked a school and a hospital in Azaz with ballistic missiles believed to have been fired from the Caspian; many civilians and children have lost their lives," Davutoglu later told reporters in a joint press meeting with the Ukrainian Prime Minister in Kiev.

Turkish Prime Minister argued that the Syrian regime, Russia and YPG are committing crimes against humanity in Syria like other terrorist organizations. "They are openly violating international law in order to advance on the ground before solution [is achieved]," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu also said that Kiev is one of the backbone countries for stability in the Eurasia region, adding that Turkey sees the importance of stability and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He noted that Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Syria remained under threat by Moscow. He also reiterated Ankara's rejection of the Russian annexation of the Crimean peninsula. "Turkey recognizes the territorial integrity of Ukraine but definitely rejects the annexation of Crimea. Crimea is a part of the Ukrainian territory and the natural homeland of the Crimean Tatars", he said.

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 16.02.16) reports that Davutoglu claimed that Russia is deliberately using the threat of a possible world war in order to dictate its policy in Syria. "Russia is consciously engaging in a perception operation to suggest 'there could be a world war.' By keeping this on the agenda, Russia continues to bother the world and dictate its policy," Davutoglu said Feb. 15 en route to Kiev.

[13] Turkey protests US over being lumped together with 'terrorist' PYD;

"We have received Kirby's statements, lumping its ally Turkey and a terrorist organization together, with astonishment," Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgic said Feb. 15.

Bilgic was referring to comments from U.S. State Department spokesperson John Kirby, who has urged both Turkey and the Syrian Kurds to focus on tackling the "common threat" of militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) who control large parts of Syria.

Kirby said that Washington was urging Kurdish forces and their allies "not to take advantage of a confused situation by seizing new territory" and calling on Turkey to cease its strikes.

Turkey "strongly protested" Kirby's statement and conveyed its unease to U.S. officials, Bilgic said, vowing Turkey would not seek permission to fight against "any terrorist organizations".

The spokesman also confirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces shelled positions of the military wing of PYD, the People's Protection Units (YPG), in northern Syria for a third straight day on Feb. 15, saying the move was in retaliation against alleged aggression by the YPG. "As a result of artillery fire and harassment from Syria toward our country since Saturday [Feb. 13], we have operated [in accordance with] our rules of engagement. On Saturday, Sunday and today, we have responded within the framework of our rules of engagement with retaliation in kind," he said.

"Today, a response to an attack against a border outpost in the [southern] Hatay region was given retaliation in kind," Bilgic said.

Meanwhile, according to Ankara Anatolia news agency (15.02.16), Turkey on Monday "strongly" condemned Russian attacks on civilians in Syria and called them war crime.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement and recalled the cessation of hostilities agreed in the German city of Munich on February 11. "It is deplorably observed that instead of halting their airstrikes, Russians especially have escalated these attacks in Syria and targeted civilians, hospitals, schools", said the statement.

"With such crimes, the Russian Federation is causing the Syrian civil war to get deepened and a dangerous escalation in the region. If the Russian Federation does not end these attacks immediately - which remove peace and stability - it is inevitable that Russia will face bigger and more serious results", the statement added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/AM)

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