Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-04-11

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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] Akinci reiterates that the target is achieving peace and solution in Cyprus within 2016

[02] Akinci: "2016, year for a Cyprus solution"

[03] Ozgurgun stated that nothing has been finalized on the efforts to form a new "government"; Statements by Serdar Denktas

[04] Small parties call on for early "elections"

[05] Turkey will try to upgrade the status of the breakaway regime at the Istanbul summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference

[06] Kalyoncu evaluated the "economic protocol"

[07] Yeni Duzen reports that UBP has been in power more than the other political parties

[08] Occupied churches are falling into ruins

[09] King of Saudi Arabia due to Turkey for an official visit

[10] Survey in Turkey showed that 93% favor reintroducing the death penalty

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci reiterates that the target is achieving peace and solution in Cyprus within 2016

Akinci, who is departing for a three-day visit in Germany today as guest of the German Foreign Minister, said yesterday that they are working with all their power for creating a new period which will protect their equality, freedom and security, will not lead them back to the past and save the future generations from uncertainty.

Akinci noted that they want to fulfill this important responsibility for the future generations and argued that no community can remain outside the international law forever. According to Akinci, the Turkish Cypriots wish to build a better future by safeguarding their rights and added that this wish can be realized with the efforts of both sides.

Commenting on the view that the effort today is to turn into "yes" the vote of the Greek Cypriot community which had voted "no" by 75% in the referendum held twelve years ago, Akinci said: "This is the half of the picture. Of course I want the 75% of the no vote to be turned into yes. This is necessary for the solution. Another issue which is needed is to be able to preserve the 65% of the yes vote of the Turkish Cypriots". Noting that this is difficult, Akinci said that no solution which is not based on the "people" can be a solution.

Akinci pointed out that the leaders have not yet come to the day of presenting an agreement to the "people".

Referring to the internal issues of the Turkish Cypriots, Akinci said that it is not his duty to say who is right and who is wrong for the collapse of the CTP-UBP self-styled government, adding that this is "at people's discretion". Akinci argued that he kept the promise he had given to keep equal distance from all political parties and be impartial and independent.

After his three day visit to Germany, Akinci will travel to Istanbul where he will attend the 13th Islamic Conference Summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation to be held between 14 and 16 April.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci: "2016, year for a Cyprus solution"

Akinci pointed to the importance of 2016 and noted that the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, the UN, the EU, Turkey and Greece all agreed that this year could be the year of a solution.

Despite all the difficulties, Akinci said there were no major problems that prevented a solution from being realized and added that the situation on the island was neither all lavender and roses nor complete darkness.

"Out of the 6 chapters, serious progress has been achieved on 4, but of course we do have some serious problems but we aim to overcome these problems and gain momentum in the second half of the year", said Ak?nc?.

Referring to the local elections that will take place in "south" Cyprus, as he called the Republic of Cyprus next month, Akinci expressed the belief that momentum will be gained after the elections have been completed and they will work so that 2016 will be the year of a solution on the island.

"As long as the Turkish Cypriot people are not an equal part of a federal structure to be formed, then the EU will continue to be short and unfulfilled. We want the EU to be rid of this wrong and we believe that a Cyprus that has no boundaries within itself and the formation of a united federal Cyprus will be beneficial to all', Akinci added.

Explaining that experts from the European Union had come to the island to aid in preparing the Turkish Cypriot "people" for EU harmonization once an agreement is reached, Akinci said that up until now this level of contacts had not taken place and for the first time such intense contacts had been held between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot side.

Referring to the contacts he will be holding in Germany next week, he reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side's desire to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and added that he wanted to reach an agreement that would protect the "peoples'" rights on the island and allow them to take their rightful place within Europe and the world.

He said that a solution to be found should be assimilated by the two leaders on the island, accepted and approved by the majority of the "people" on the island when taken to a referendum.

"Of course Turkey has some weight on the island we can't deny this. The military is here and it has economic contribution to the island. And a subject where Turkey will be involved is the issue of security and guarantees that is why we will take up that issue last. If we get a good outcome from the other chapters I believe we can reach an agreement on this issue as well", Akinci argued.

[03] Ozgurgun stated that nothing has been finalized on the efforts to form a new "government"; Statements by Serdar Denktas

Making a statement regarding his efforts to form the new "government", Ozgurgun said that he is working to form the next "government" but that nothing had been finalized yet.

He explained time was needed to carry out some meetings but indicated that by the 16th of April a certain list may be formed. "We must sit down and discuss how a coalition will be formed. Yes, we may be able to reach the 26 seats needed but how this will be done is yet unclear- by next weekend something will emerge" Ozgurgun stated.

According to the "constitution", Ozgurgun has 15 days to present the "president" with the new "cabinet".

Currently, in the 50 seat "parliament" the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces (CTP-BG) has 20 seats, the National Unity Party (UBP) has 18, the Democratic Party (DP) has 5, the Social Democratic Party (TDP) has 3 and there are 4 independent candidates.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (09.04.16) reports that Serdar Denktas, leader of the Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG) in statements on Friday night after the meeting of the central committee of his party, announced that they had decided to support the efforts by the National Unity Party (UBP) to establish a coalition "government".

Stressing the need for the establishment of a long-term "government" in the "TRNC", Denktas said that the party's central committee has decided to give priority to carry out discussions with the UBP for the establishment of a new "government" and added that in case that those would yield no result, then they continue with CTP.

Asked to comment on the scenarios saying that the UBP had proposed to his party some certain "ministries", Denktas said that he would not make bargaining on the "ministries" and added that their priority is for the problems of the "country" to be solved.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks, Denktas said that they have no doubts about Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's good intention and goodwill at the talks. "We have no doubts on Akinci's goodwill. The one which we do not trust due to its insincerity is the Greek Cypriot side", Denktas argued.

(AK)

[04] Small parties call on for early "elections"

Kibris (10.04.16) reported that the chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) Izzet Izcan stated that he does not believe that a "government" that will be useful for the "people" will be established and called on for early "elections", noting that the decision should go to the "voters".

Yeni Duzen (11.04.16) reports that on his part the chairman of the newly established People's Party (HP) Kudret Ozersay stated that the old parties were unable to keep the promises they gave to the "people" and said that calling for early "elections" is the only answer to the recent developments.

Finally, Kibrisli (10.04.16) reported that the member of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) Alpay Durduran stated that the same chorus has remained in the political scene since 1980 and said that early elections will give the chance to new persons to act.

(CS)

[05] Turkey will try to upgrade the status of the breakaway regime at the Istanbul summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference

According to the paper, in 2006 when Turkey was hosting the OIC meeting, the breakaway regime was accepted as "Turkish Cypriot state" at the summit, but this was cancelled after an initiative by Egypt. The paper notes that during the new summit Turkey will try to undertake the same effort so that a similar decision for the breakaway regime to be taken. (TR. Note: the breakaway regime participates in the summits under the "observer" status).

Cumhuriyet also notes that the Saudi Arabia King Selma Bin Abdulazizi, who is currently visiting Turkey and paid a visit to Egypt a few days ago, is aiming to revive the relations between Turkey and Egypt. Citing information the paper argues that the difficulties faced for the normalization of Turkey-Egypt relations is making the normalization of the relations between Turkey and Israel difficult as well.

(CS)

[06] Kalyoncu evaluated the "economic protocol"

"It is a structural transformation protocol alongside an economic protocol and Turkey informed us that the judiciary must also be included in this. They wanted programs to be prepared for some of the state organs that will be going through structural transformations, that was the first request. The second request was that for whatever was included in previous protocols to also be included in this new protocol. This protocol was prepared within this framework", argued Kalyoncu.

He added that negotiations took place on the "protocol" and a reciprocal problem emerged and stressed that one of the problems was with "KIB-TEK", electricity authority and the other was with the judiciary.

"We sent a note to Turkey informing them that we did not want the judiciary to be included in the protocol but that if it was necessary then it should be included in a certain way, but of course this was not accepted by Turkey", Kalyoncu explained.

Referring to the "state planning organization" ("DPO"), Kalyoncu said: "The "DPO" is formed of 4 departments and carries out statistics, planning, cooperation and monitoring. The removal of the statistics department is given room in the government program as it will become a separate institution".

"The rest will go through a structural transformation, these will never be closed down and this has been given room in the protocol. So, the news that is being reflected in the media is aimed at blurring the atmosphere so that the newly formed government can easily sign the protocol", said Kalyoncu and added that news was being written in a way that made it seem as though the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) had given up on "DPO".

[07] Yeni Duzen reports that UBP has been in power more than the other political parties

According to the paper, since 1976, 38 "governments" were established in the occupied area of Cyprus. The National Unity party (UBP) was the political party, which has "governed" and took part in "coalition governments" the most times in "North Cyprus". UBP has been in power for 27 years out of 40. From 1975 until 1994, UBP has always been in the "government".

It is reported that the UBP was in power for 27 years, 52%, the Democratic Party (DP) was for 12 years, 23%, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) for 10 years, 19% and the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) for 2,5 years, 5%.

(DPs)

[08] Occupied churches are falling into ruins

According to the paper, the church, which is dated on the 19th century, is located at the campus of the illegal University and its restoration will take place in the framework of "Historical value claiming and protection project".

Speaking to the paper, the "rector" of the illegal Keryneia University Cemre Gunsel Haskasap, stated that the church is part of Cyprus culture heritage and a very important building for the island of Cyprus. She also said that the restoration works will be completed soon.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (10.04.16) reports that the church of Panayia Kanakaria in occupied Lythrangomi village is falling into ruins due to the lack of interest by the "officials". The paper writes that the church was restored in the past; however it needs constant care and attention. It also writes that the church is locked despite having Greek Cypriots and tourists visiting very often.

(CS)

[09] King of Saudi Arabia due to Turkey for an official visit

Accompanied by an extended delegation, Salman is expected to arrive in Ankara to pay his first official visit to Turkey on April 11 upon the official invitation by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After concluding meetings in Ankara, the Saudi delegation will move to Istanbul to attend the 13th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit which will take place on April 14 and 15.

The two leaderships are expected to review ongoing cooperation in number of different fields, including trade and the economy, as well as to coordinate mutually concerning foreign policy issues.

With Salman coming to Turkey after concluding a trip to Egypt, it's believed that strained Ankara-Cairo relations will also be on the agenda, as Erdogan had already commented that the Saudi leadership was pressing on both sides to reconcile their relations. Egypt will also be present at the OIC summit at the Foreign Minister level.

(?)

King Salman and Erdogan are also expected to evaluate recent developments in the field, as the cessation of hostilities continues in Syria amid U.N.-led efforts to reach a political settlement to the problem. Both countries support the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other Arab armed groups as the main military ground forces fighting ISIL and the regime.

[10] Survey in Turkey showed that 93% favor reintroducing the death penalty

The survey also asked participants who they would vote for if an election was to be held, and 54% said they would vote for the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). The closest rival to the AK Party in the results of the poll was the Republican People's Party (CHP) with the support of 21.7% of participants while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) had support from 11.6%. The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) received the support of 7.8% of survey participants, below the nation's electoral threshold.

The survey further found that 57% of the respondents support a Presidential system while 43% thought it was not necessary to abandon Turkey's current Parliamentary system.

The poll results also showed that 62% of the participants disagreed with the Constitutional Court's decision concerning the violation of rights in the Can Dundar and Erdem Gul case.

(?) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/AM)

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