Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-02-22

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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] Erdogan "surprisingly" called Talat to Ankara; They discussed the water, electricity, "citizenship" and illegal Tymbou airport issues

[02] UBP gives an ultimatum to CTP

[03] Atun argues that there is an oil reservoir in the occupied village Syngrasi

[04] Angolemli: "There is no need for early elections"

[05] Denktas: ""The solution will not come up from the negotiating table; it is a practice guide that will come up"

[06] Cavusoglu believes that there will be a Cyprus settlement around June

[07] The mosque in Deneia village was attacked

[08] Akinci stressed the need for the "lifting of the so-called embargoes" in sports

[09] An AECR's delegation met with Akinci and Siber

[10] Chinese businessmen are visiting again the breakaway regime

[11] Turkish Cypriot companies are taking part in the 2016 Dubai Gulfood Fair

[12] IMF's delegation held a meeting with the "Turkish Cypriot contractors' union"

[13] Obama calls Erdogan to offer condolences for Ankara bombing

[14] Erdogan: "Turkey has the right to conduct operations in Syria, elsewhere to combat terror threats"

[15] Turkey calls for unconditional US support against Kurdish YPG

[16] Fruits and vegetables' exports from Turkey to Israel increased dramatically

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Erdogan "surprisingly" called Talat to Ankara; They discussed the water, electricity, "citizenship" and illegal Tymbou airport issues

According to the paper, Erdogan told Talat that he was especially worried about the "water crisis" and asked for this issue to be solved the soonest. "It was alleged that the Turkish government, which is intensively working now on the crises of Syria and terror, does not want to experience the slightest problem on the Cyprus negotiations or the water issue", writes the paper adding: "It was put forward that Erdogan conveyed to Talat his views regarding the 'chapters' of the negotiations, the water issue, the [transferring of] electricity with a cable, the citizenships and the Tymbou airport. According to information obtained by reliable sources, Erdogan is not happy at all with the crises on [the issues of] those waiting for citizenship and the Tymbou airport".

The paper writes that Erdogan is satisfied with the course of the [Cyprus] negotiations and asked for the self-styled government's more active support to the [Turkish Cypriot] negotiating team. "Because he was not expecting any crisis on the water issue, he demands that this should be overcome and furthermore the issue of bringing electricity with a cable to the TRNC to be taken up", notes Kibris adding that Erdogan is "sensitive" on the issue of the Turkish settlers waiting to acquire the "citizenship" of the regime and is not happy at all with the crisis at the illegal Tymbou airport and waits for initiatives to overcome all the problems between the private company and the "state" and to complete the project the soonest.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (22.02.16) reports that in statements upon his return to the occupied area of Cyprus, Talat said that their only wish is for the water from Turkey to start flowing into the island and alleged that the "governments" are exerting efforts for the solution of the issue and for the Turkish Cypriot "people" having clear water. Talat argued that he demanded from Erdogan his political support to the process on the water issue which will allegedly be solved with the efforts exerted by the "two governments".

Talat claimed that a "pollution of information" exists on the water issue and argued that without achieving an "official agreement" it could not be possible for this information to be shared with the public. He said that the price of the water has not been determined yet, because the period for which a right of operation will be given is not known. He further noted that the local water resources will continue belonging to the "state". Talat added that the "governments" attach great importance to the signing of the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the regime.

He further said that during his meeting with Erdogan they reaffirmed their hopes for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and added that Erdogan also attaches importance to the lack of problems after the solution and the Turkish Cypriots being economically competitive. Talat noted that Erdogan closely follows the solution process in Cyprus and he is informed about the developments.

Referring to the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.02.16) reports that Talat's statements after his return from Istanbul were not convincing. Under the title "Instruction on the water from Erdogan to Talat: Sign it", the paper notes that after Talat's meeting with Erdogan the attention is now turned to the CTP and to whether the party will sign the water "agreement".

Citing information from reliable sources, the paper reports that Erdogan asked Talat the signing of the above-mentioned "agreement" the soonest. Erdogan also demanded the materialization of the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the regime.

Commenting on Talat's statement that "the water problem will be solved with efforts by the governments", the paper notes that it is understood that the self-styled government will not be dissolved and that the CTP will reach an agreement with the National Unity Party (UBP).

(I/Ts.)

[02] UBP gives an ultimatum to CTP

The UBP's party assembly which convened to discuss the issue gave the National Unity Party leader Huseyin Ozgurgun full authority to take necessary steps unless the issue is resolved by Wednesday.

Ozgurgun said that he will use his full authority and pull his party out of the "coalition government" if the issue is not solved.

The friction stems from disagreements between the two parties on the proposals discussed with Turkey as regards the management of water distribution which provides for the distribution by a private company or companies, under the supervision of the "state".

Kalyoncu who evaluated the UBP's decision said that his party had been trying to solve this problem from the very beginning and that work will continue in that direction. He said that they had taken the UBP's call seriously and that they have always attached importance to the views and positions of their "coalition party".

[03] Atun argues that there is an oil reservoir in the occupied village Syngrasi

Speaking at a programme in Kibris TV, Atun argued that "there is a high possibility to have oil and natural gas both in their sea and land". He further said that it shows that the region is rich on this issue.

(DPs)

[04] Angolemli: "There is no need for early elections"

Angolemli stated that while the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem are taking place, his party does not believe that conducting early "elections" is the right decision. As he said in the past the Turkish Cypriot side was accused of trying to escape from the negotiation table because of such a decision and added that if in 2016 the Turkish Cypriot side calls for early "elections", it may face the same accusation.

(CS)

[05] Denktas: ""The solution will not come up from the negotiating table; it is a practice guide that will come up"

Supporting that the path which is followed towards the solution will lead to the abyss and that it will be harmful for both sides, Denktas argued: "The only way to reach a possible solution, is by establishing coordination among the sides, and through this coordination, the Turkish Cypriots should become integrated with the world; only then the issue of the common administration should be discussed".

Denktas went on and argued that the "perception of the solution" in the "southern part" of the island is completely different from the "perception of the solution" in the "northern part" of the island.

Alleging that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not possible with one-sided efforts and goodwill, Denktas accused the Greek Cypriot leadership of showing an intransigent attitude at the Cyprus negotiation talks and of still pursuing Enosis with Greece.

(?)

(AK)

[06] Cavusoglu believes that there will be a Cyprus settlement around June

Noting that they also want to give water to the Greek Cypriot side, Cavusoglu argued that they believe that the water will be delivered also to other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The paper reports that Cavusoglu met with the self-styled minister of foreign affairs Emine Colak in Istanbul. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the latest developments of the Cyprus talks and the management of the water, which has been transferred to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus from Turkey.

According to the paper, the meeting was behind closed doors.

(DPs)

[07] The mosque in Deneia village was attacked

According to the paper, President Anastasiades issued a written statement strongly condemning the attack and noting that such actions, regardless of where they come from and of their aim, "only harm our efforts to end the occupation and reunite our country". The President emphasized that he has given instructions to the Ministry of Justice and the Police to shed light on the incident the soonest and to the Foreign Ministry to speedily repair the damages.

The mosque had been repaired within the framework of the activities of the Technical Committee for the Cultural Heritage in cooperation with the European Union and the UN Development Program.

Meanwhile, the paper reports also that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci condemned the attack on the mosque, noting that a crime against humanity was committed and should be punished "in the most severe manner". In a written statement, Akinci asks from President Anastasiades to exert every effort for finding the perpetrators and these efforts not to remain only in words.

He argued: "This attack should not only be seen as an attack against a place of worship belonging to the Muslims. This small and historical place is a value which belongs to all Cypriots and humanity. Those who committed this act also committed a crime against humanity and should be punished severely. Of course there will be people who want to damage the process during a period when we try to solve the Cyprus issue. It is clear that people who committed this act do not want Cyprus to reach a peaceful future. We should not let these people succeed".

Finally, Talip Atalay, head of the so-called religious affairs department of the regime, described the incident as an "action aiming at extinguishing every hope for peace" and condemned the attack.

In a written statement issued yesterday, Atalay asked for the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators and said that he was pleased with the statements made by President Anastasiades, who said that those responsible would be found and punished. He finally noted that he expects the competent authorities to show the necessary sensitivity so that such attacks against places of worship are not repeated, regardless of the religion to which these places belong.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Akinci stressed the need for the "lifting of the so-called embargoes" in sports

Supporting that due to the "embargoes" that Turkish Cypriot youth are only watching sports from the stages, he added that it is time for them to go to the fields.

Stressing the need for the Turkish Cypriot youth to be "rescued" from the "embargoes", Akinci said that it is high time for the Turkish Cypriots to gain an international identity in Cyprus.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Akinci argued that an important progress has been achieved in the Cyprus negotiation talks aiming to reach to a solution on the Cyprus problem, he, however, stressed the need for the "TRNC" to work for its strengthening and development in all fields, without expecting the last phase of the solution.

Akinci added that although positive developments are taking place in the Cyprus negotiation process, there are still some problems that needed to be overcome.

(AK)

[09] An AECR's delegation met with Akinci and Siber

The delegation was composed by the British MP Mark Field, the Polish MP Anna Fotyga, the Irish MP Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, the Councilor Julia Dockerill, the General Director of the New Direction-The Foundation For European Reform, Naweed Khan, the Responsible for Projects of the AECR, Leou Leskovec, and the Researcher Themistoklis Asthenidis.

No statements were issued before or after the meetings.

(AK)

[10] Chinese businessmen are visiting again the breakaway regime

According to a statement issued by Astra Group, the Chinese businessmen have visited previously the breakaway regime and expressed an interest to invest in the occupied area of Cyprus. They now want to make more investments in construction and tourism. "They want to construct smart buildings for the Turkish Cypriots. They want to make houses that have never been made in Cyprus before", Astra Group stated.

(CS)

[11] Turkish Cypriot companies are taking part in the 2016 Dubai Gulfood Fair

Nine companies with the title "North Cyprus" are representing the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus with the support of the self-styled economy, industry and commerce ministry in the fair between 21-25 February 2016.

According to a press release by the "KTSO", the self-styled minister of economy, industry and commerce Sunat Atun, who visited yesterday the fair, met with the participants.

In the stand, the Turkish Cypriot companies promote their products, which are dairy products, like halloumi/hellim and cheese, coffee, halva, carob molasses and sesame oil.

(DPs)

[12] IMF's delegation held a meeting with the "Turkish Cypriot contractors' union"

As the paper writes, during the meeting, IMF's delegation exchanged views with the chairman of the "union" Cafer Curcafer concerning the steps and measures which are needed to be taken for the after the solution period so that the "TRNC's economy" not to be affected negatively.

The IMF's delegation underlined the results of a research they had prepared stipulates that the after the solution period would affect positively the construction sector and by taking actions on this sector, the "TRNC's economy" will be also affected positively. They also expressed the view that such arguments have a positive reflection on the issue of financing the solution.

(AK)

[13] Obama calls Erdogan to offer condolences for Ankara bombing

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria during the phone call which took one hour 20 minutes, Turkish presidential sources said.

During the phone conversation, Obama told Erdogan that he called on the PYD/YPG to immediately stop its provocative acts which are creating tensions with Turkey and Syrian opposition and undermining the fight against Daesh, the Turkish presidential sources said.

Obama also told Erdogan that the US is determined to keep supporting its NATO ally, Turkey against terror threats and said the US recognizes Turkey's right of self-defence.

The Turkish presidency said Obama and Erdogan agreed to increase cooperation in the fight against what it called terrorist groups, including the PKK.

[14] Erdogan: "Turkey has the right to conduct operations in Syria, elsewhere to combat terror threats"

"Turkey has every right to conduct operations in Syria and the places where terror organizations are nested with regards to the struggle against the threats that Turkey faces," Erdogan said during the event "UNESCO City of Gastronomy: Gaziantep," which was organized to celebrate the inclusion of Turkey's south-eastern province of Gaziantep on the list of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the gastronomy category.

Erdogan's remarks came one day after he and U.S. President Barack Obama talked on the phone for more than an hour regarding the latest developments in Syria and Turkey.

During his address, Erdogan said that the situation had "absolutely nothing to do with the sovereignty rights of the states that cannot take control of their territorial integrity."

"On the contrary, this has to do with the will that Turkey shows to protect its sovereignty rights," he said. "We expect attitudes to prevent our country's right [to self-defence] directly as an initiative against Turkey's entity ? no matter where it comes from." Erdogan said that the point Turkey has reached is a place of self-defence and that no one had the right to restrict that right.

[15] Turkey calls for unconditional US support against Kurdish YPG

Davutoglu also said Turkey would tighten security across the country, especially the capital, after a car loaded with explosives was detonated near military buses in Ankara last Wednesday, killing 28 people.

Washington, which does not consider the YPG a terrorist organization, has said it is not in a position to confirm or deny Ankara's charge that the militia was behind the bombing.

"The only thing we expect from our US ally is to support Turkey with no ifs or buts," Davutoglu told a news conference following a five-hour security meeting with members of his Cabinet and other officials. "If 28 Turkish lives have been claimed through a terrorist attack we can only expect them to say any threat to Turkey is a threat to them."

[16] Fruits and vegetables' exports from Turkey to Israel increased dramatically

Noting that their main export partners of the industry Russia and Iraq purchased fewer products from Turkey in the first month of the year, comparing to January 2015, Bayraktar said that the sector's exports to Russia fell from $82.9 million to $10.9 million while those to Iraq dropped from $44.8 million to $26.3 million in the same period (January 2015 ? January 2016).

However, Bayraktar said that produce sales to Israel went up 4,044%, Italy by 60.3%, Saudi Arabia by 49.7%, Poland by 40.3%, Saudi Arabia by 38.5%, Netherlands by 36.5% and Ukraine by 26.9%. But such increases are not enough to compensate for the losses stemming from its main trade partners, Bayraktar said. The paper reports that the exports to Israel increased from $66,000 to $2.7 million.

Bayraktar further said that if the troubles in the sector continue, the producers will face the danger of growing debts.

(DPs) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(CS/AM)

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