Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-15

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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] Third attack in five months kills at least 37 in Ankara

[02] Turkey's opposition condemns Ankara attack in unison, calls for solidarity

[03] Akinci said that he is ready to announce details of the talks only if the Greek Cypriot leader does so jointly

[04] Burcu accused the Greek Cypriot side of not showing goodwill and determination on the implementation of CBMs

[05] Ozersay commented on the alleged "secret meeting" between President Anastasiades and Davutoglu

[06] Tacoy criticized Anastasiades for preventing the opening of new chapters in Turkey's EU accession process; Denktas reiterated that they won't vote an agreement without Turkey's guarantees

[07] Akansoy carried out contacts in Ankara

[08] Trade was increased between the two sides during Cyprus in 2015

[09] Sucuoglu evaluated the ITB Berlin Fair 2016

[10] A 5-km tunnel will be constructed between Pentadaktylos and occupied Klepini village

[11] A cooperation protocol on recycling the solid wastes

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Third attack in five months kills at least 37 in Ankara

Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu put the death toll at 37 early March 14 hours after the deadly attack that struck a busy spot near Ankara's Guvenpark ? a park in Ankara's central Kizilay neighbourhood on March 13.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was in Istanbul at the time of the attack, was briefed over the phone by Interior Minister Efkan Ala about the blast, presidential sources said. "Turkey has become a target of terror attacks due to the instabilities in the region", Erdogan said in a written statement released by the presidency to express condolences to friends and relatives of those who died in the attack.

Erdogan said Turkey would continue its determined fight against terrorism. "Terror attacks ? which intend to target the integrity of Turkey, unity and solidarity of our people ? do not diminish our will to fight against terror, but further boost it," he added.

The presidential sources said a planned trip by Erdogan to Azerbaijan that was previously scheduled for March 15 had been delayed.

Security sources said that the perpetrator was identified only by the initials S.C.D., a female college student from a university in the northwestern province of Balikesir. She ? a PKK militant nicknamed "Avasin" ? joined the outlawed organization in 2013 as she headed to PKK's training camps in northern Iraq. She has been trained on bombing and covert acts the militant group carries out to target Turkish security forces, the sources told daily Hurriyet without giving their names.

On the same issue, Ankara Anatolia news agency (online, 14.03.16) reported that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced late Monday that police have arrested 11 suspects linked with Sunday's deadly Ankara blast.

"Ankara blast is a step against Turkey's anti-terror operations on PKK, DHKP-C, and Daesh", Davutoglu said at the Ankara University Ibni Sina Hospital, where he visited the injured blast victims.

The Turkish Premier pointed out that Turkey has been carrying out operations against the three terrorist groups since July 23 last year. He said there are "almost definite findings" pointing towards PKK's involvement in the attack, but added that an investigation into the incident is still going on.

[02] Turkey's opposition condemns Ankara attack in unison, calls for solidarity

The three opposition parties in Parliament, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), released written statements late on March 13, strongly condemning the attack.

"The bomb attack against our civilians in the capital city of Turkey is a terror act which should be cursed with no 'ifs' and 'buts,'" CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said, emphasizing that the attack was aimed at "social peace and serenity".

The CHP leader reiterated his party's will to assume "all kinds of political responsibilities" in the fight against terrorism.

The Kurdish problem-focused HDP, Parliament's third largest party, which both President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government accuse of being an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), condemned what it described as a "savage attack" against civilians.

"We share this grand grief with all of our people," the HDP's Central Executive Board (MYK) said. "We state that all of these attacks against our people will not be able to estrange us from feelings of fraternity and condemn the attack once more in the strongest way," the HDP said.

MHP leader Devlet Bahceli voiced resolve against terrorist acts, while also urging for "a thorough analysis" of the situation because the March 13 attack came only weeks after a similar attack in the capital city.

Bahceli expressed confidence that light would be shed on the perpetrators and instigators of the attack, while also expressing his wish that this process would not be delayed.

"The government should not allow any weakness and negligence on this issue. Turkey's national security is signalling a red alarm because our precious nation is openly under attack and is surrounded in a compact and categorical circle of enmity", Bahceli said.

[03] Akinci said that he is ready to announce details of the talks only if the Greek Cypriot leader does so jointly

Making a statement upon his return to his office, Akinci said that convergences on issues from various chapters were sought and the work carried out by the two sides' negotiators over the past few weeks was reviewed during their meeting. He added that they were also carrying out efforts so that outside developments will not harm the ongoing negotiations process.

Referring to the statements made by Greek Cypriot EDEK party leader Marinos Sizopoulos, Akinci argued that this behaviour was carried out by a political party that does not support a federal solution and aimed at harming the ongoing Cyprus negotiations process. He added: "I am not trying to withhold information from the public but the talks have a specific character and this has been understood and respected for many years. Why Mr Sizopoulos acted this way is understandable as this is a party that has denounced the bi-zonal and bi-communal federation".

He further said that, as the Turkish Cypriots' elected leader, he will continue the process with a focus on the agreements and commitments undertaken to date, but will not announce any details with regards to the negotiations, expressing certainty that none of the "deputies" or political parties in the "north" would do what Sizopoulos did, as the goal is to find a mutually acceptable settlement.

Asked whether or not the issue of occupied Morphou was brought to the negotiating table, Akinci said that no such issue was taken up at the talks and added that territorial adjustments will be discussed at the end of the talks.

Upon being reminded of the EDEK leader's statements regarding citizenships, Akinci said that all of the statements made by Sizopoulos were not true. He explained that it is well-known that the federal court will comprise of an equal number of judges from each community. He added that there might be one category of people who will choose to live in an area without any legal settlement or voting rights, another group of people that will have a legal right to settle but limited voting rights like Greek Cypriots living in the occupied area of Karpassia and a third will include people who can have the internal citizenship of the other constituent state, like Greek-speaking Turkish Cypriots. "On these issues no definitive agreement has yet been reached", said Akinci and added that the two sides' views are very close on this issue.

Akinci declined to give details on the new convergences, saying that the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to announce details of the talks only if the Greek Cypriot leader or their representatives do so jointly.

He claimed that EDEK's stance aims at undermining the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his party, as well as the parties that support a settlement to the Cyprus problem, in the upcoming Cyprus parliamentary election.

Akinci reiterated the principle that "nothing has been agreed until everything has been agreed", pointing out that significant progress and convergences have been achieved.

Asked a question regarding Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Akinci argued that the issue of mobile phone networks has been deadlocked due to the laws in "south Cyprus" (editor's note: the laws of the Republic of Cyprus) and added that if these obstacles are overcome only then more concrete steps will be taken on the CBMs.

[04] Burcu accused the Greek Cypriot side of not showing goodwill and determination on the implementation of CBMs

Pointing out that both sides experienced difficulties and problems on the issue of the implementation of CMBs either because of bureaucratic procedures or because of different perception, Burcu said that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci held contacts with several "officials" in the "TRNC" and thus those difficulties were overcome.

Supporting that the Turkish Cypriot side does not have any problem related with the implementation of the decisions received on the CMBs, Burcu alleged that the Greek Cypriot side did not show the same determination and goodwill.

Referring especially to the issue of the connection of the mobile communication network, Burcu said that the issue stuck on the laws in the Greek Cypriot side. Burcu then accused President Anastasiades of not exerting the necessary pressure in order for the obstacles that exist to be overpassed.

(AK)

[05] Ozersay commented on the alleged "secret meeting" between President Anastasiades and Davutoglu

In exclusive statements to Diyalog TV, Ozersay called the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci to clear up this issue and stated that if this meeting took place, then it means that the Turkish Cypriot side has been ignored.

Ozersay recalled that the Greek Cypriot side's interlocutor at the negotiating table is the Turkish Cypriot side and called the Turkish Cypriot side to take action towards this matter. "If Turkey committed this mistake, then we should warn Turkey as well. Our elected representative has the main responsibility to carry out talks and we should clarify this to our interlocutor. The Turkish Cypriot side should be taken into consideration as interlocutor. If someone supports that we do not have the right to be there [Translator's note: meaning the alleged meeting between Anastasiades-Davutoglu] then we should put up the shutters and go. This is out of question to happen", added Ozersay.

(AK)

[06] Tacoy criticized Anastasiades for preventing the opening of new chapters in Turkey's EU accession process; Denktas reiterated that they won't vote an agreement without Turkey's guarantees

Tacoy claimed that the Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades is trying to pressure Turkey through a policy of threats and blackmail. He also argued that if the Greek Cypriot leadership is truly sincere in solving the Cyprus issue on the basis of the realities on the island and in Turkey's full EU membership, it should let the process move forward instead of blocking and preventing Turkey's EU membership negotiations.

Underlining the need for the Greek Cypriot leadership to accept the opening of the occupied port of Famagusta and the occupied airport of Tymbou to international traffic if it wants Turkey to open its ports to the Greek Cypriot vessels, Tacoy said: "If the Greek Cypriot leadership refuses to do this and rather insists on continuing to block Turkey's EU path with threats and veto, then it is not sincere in its efforts on the Cyprus issue."

"The main source for the Greek Cypriot side's intransigent stance is the policy pursued by President Mustafa Akinci and his team", Tacoy claimed.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (14.03.16) reported that the leader of DP-UG Serdar Denktas argued that the aim of the Greek Cypriot side is to extinguish the treaties of Alliance and Guarantee.

Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side is making propaganda to show the existence of the Turkish military as a threat, Denktas argued: "The Greek Cypriot side see the Turkish military as a threat. However, they could not even point to a single act which threatens them since 1974 because they know that the existence of the Turkish military in the island is not a threat. They only make propaganda".

Speaking at the occupied village of Louroutzina, Denktas argued that there will be a new fighting and chaos in the island in case of extinguishing the 1959 Treaty of Alliance and Guarantee.

Denktas also made a call to the negotiating team and reiterated that If Turkey's full and effective guarantee is extinguished, if their rights, political equality and equal sovereignty are not taken into consideration, then the Turkish Cypriot "people" should say and will say "no" to such an agreement.

(DPs)

[07] Akansoy carried out contacts in Ankara

During the meeting between Turkes and Akansoy, the claims that the PKK terrorist organization is restructuring in the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) was taken up. Turkes reiterated that wide room given in the media that the PKK terrorist organisation was restructuring in the "TRNC" was far from the truth and added that although the media can report as they please he questioned to what extent the realities were being reflected in the news. "Security forces in the TRNC are following the developments. A terrorist organisation is a terrorist organisation everywhere around the world. If the terrorist organisation has extended its field then the necessary steps will be taken" said Turkes and added that they will be informing "TRNC officials" about developments in order to ease concerns.

Akansoy, for his part, said that "they would never allow anything to ruin the education and investment opportunities in northern Cyprus". He said that the "state" and its "institutions" would never allow investments to be jeopardized and added that by looking back at the past few years the steps that have been taken are satisfactory.

Stressing that they are working towards increasing the number of students in the "country", Akansoy said: "We will stand firm against any situation that does not please us. In no way will we allow a terrorist organisation to restructure in our country".

Meanwhile, in a joint press conference after meeting with the Turkish Interior Minister Ala, Akansoy noted that the Cyprus solution process is alive and dynamic and added that while the Cyprus negotiations process is continuing it is their duty to enhance the "TRNC" to its highest standards. "That's why we must take the necessary steps to strengthen ties between our institutions and improve institutional cooperation", Akansoy added.

Explaining that the "TRNC" is open to new investments and economic developments Akansoy said that they have received many requests regarding new economic investments in the "TRNC" and added that they are evaluating these requests constructively.

[08] Trade was increased between the two sides during Cyprus in 2015

According to information obtained by the Chamber regarding the trade between the two sides in the framework of the Green Line regulations, the trade in 2014 was 3, 911,189 euro while in 2015 was 3,933,918 euro. Plastic and scrap metals were the main thing that was bought from the "northern part", writes the paper.

The biggest amount of trade in the framework of the Green Line regulations was in 2011 which reached 85,774,055 euro.

(CS)

[09] Sucuoglu evaluated the ITB Berlin Fair 2016

Sucuoglu alleged that the fair will contribute greatly to the tourism sector. He also said that he met with 23 German and foreign tour operators during the fair and that he met with writers and columnists from 21 newspapers and magazines which focus on travel and tourism.

Pointing out that the 255km long "Cape to Cape" trekking path had caught the attention of German tourists, Sucuoglu stated that tourists from Europe were interested in getting a taste of local life and cuisine.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (13.03.15) reported that the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahin Unal visited the Turkish Cypriot pavilion at the Berlin fair and stated that Turkey's support and co-operation towards the breakaway regime's tourism will continue and increased. On his part Sucuoglu stated that they meet in every chance with Unal and exchange views.

Writing further about the fair, the paper reports that it had participants from 189 countries and 113,000 visitors. In addition, 6,000 journalists covered the fair's events.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (15.03.15) reports that Latvian journalists visited the breakaway regime aiming to visit historic and tourist attractions, upon an event organized with the co-operation of the Society of European Journalists and Turkish Airways. The delegation met with Sucuoglu.

[10] A 5-km tunnel will be constructed between Pentadaktylos and occupied Klepini village

The paper, citing information, writes that the project is financed by Ankara adding that its construction was announced a year ago but due to various difficulties the works have started only recently. The aim of the project is to shorten from 19-km to 14-Km the road that connects the two spots.

Speaking to the paper, the "director of highways department", Nihat Erduran, stated that geological researches will take place in the area and added that the project will be competed in two months.

On his part, Nazim Kasot, professor at the "near east university" criticized the project and stated that the construction would put the environment of Pentadaktylos area in great danger.

(CS)

[11] A cooperation protocol on recycling the solid wastes

The protocol which gives details who will manage the solid wastes that emerge at construction sites and how these will be recycled, aims to protect the environment and nature.

The head of the Turkish Cypriot contractors association Cafer Gurcafer pointed to the importance of being prepared now before a solution is found to the Cyprus problem, adding: "After a solution is found there will be masses of construction waste. We must evaluate these wastes now otherwise we will be face to face with chaos". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

(DPs/AM)

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