Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-06-02

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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] Yildirim and Akinci's joint press conference

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Prime Minister Yildirim's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus

[03] Ak?nc? called Greece to show stronger support to the Cyprus negotiation process

[04] Ertugruloglu and Denktas condemned Kasoulides' statements

[05] Water supply suspended due to technical problems

[06] The Trade Union Platform protested over the "circular" of the "interior ministry" aiming to put limitations on the right to protest

[07] The F-4 Fantom warplane used in the Turkish invasion to be exhibited in the Municipality of Adana

[08] Yildirim calls Armenian killings "ordinary" and urges Germany to show "common sense"

[09] Kilicdaroglu: "The Armenian issue should not be used as a political tool"

[10] Newly appointed EU Minister Celik held contacts in Brussels

[11] Turkey and Uganda signed agreements and MoA in several fields

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Yildirim and Akinci's joint press conference

Yildirim paid his "first visit abroad" yesterday to the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus as it is customary for the Turkish Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Yildirim met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber and visited the tombs of the late former Turkish Cypriot leaders Dr Fazil Kucuk and Rauf Denktas, as well as the cemetery of the Turkish fighters of the Turkish invasion in 1974.

Akinci, in a joint press conference with Yildirim after having a working lunch, said that he had a very sincere and beneficial meeting with the Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim. He expressed his satisfaction that Yildirim paid his first visit "abroad" to the "TRNC" just like his predecessors, adding that there is no doubt that this visit will further improve the already good relations between the two "countries".

Commenting on the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that they have stepped into a period of historical significance in Cyprus and that they have a critical 7-month-period ahead of them. Akinci further said: "As we have stressed many times, this period should be utilized by working very hard with sincerity in order not to miss the opportunity for a solution. As it happens until today, we are ready to work with all our strength in order for a federal agreement based on bi-zonal, bi-communal and political equality to be determined. A settlement that will ensure our equality, freedom and security is not only a necessity for our island, but also for our territory, and it also has the potential to create important opportunities that will pave the road especially for economic cooperation."

Stressing that he is satisfied to see in the meeting with Yildirim that Turkey's support to the negotiation process in Cyprus as well as its determination on the solution is continuing unchanged, Akinci said: "It is very important that Turkey stands behind the Turkish Cypriots on the Cyprus settlement, just like it does on other issues". Akinci wished that other related parties, particularly Greece, do not withhold their constructive contribution for a just solution in Cyprus.

Akinci further said that Yildirim is one of the leading names who proved that politics has an aspect that can be exercised by means of technical creativity as well, that while he was serving as the Minister of Transport, he was frequently referred to with his activities and he succeeded in highlighting that politics is to produce services for people. Akinci added: "I wish this characteristic feature of Mr Prime Minister sets an example for the ministries, both in Turkey and in the TRNC, focused particularly on technical issues".

Yildirim, for his part, said that Turkey, as a guarantor country expects with sincerity that the "two people, who are joint owners of the island", will be able to reach a solution within a year. He stressed that the Cyprus settlement will seriously contribute to the security, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region, and only after the solution the real potentials of Cyprus will emerge, and the potentials of the underground and over ground wealth will be jointly utilized.

Yildirim claimed that the Turkish Cypriot side shows good will and determination from the beginning of the negotiations and is the side that always takes initiatives in order for a just, equal and lasting solution to be reached. He noted that the ongoing negotiations are not made up only of 6 chapters, but a permanent solution is only possible through the understanding of an equal partnership and a belief in a common future". Yildirim went on: "For this reason, the results should be reached with sincerity, the sides should not forget to see each other as their future partners and that they should comply at the maximum extent to live one next to the other and to respect the rights of each other".

Reminding that the Cyprus problem, which has lasted more than half a century, is continuing within the framework of the good offices of the UN Secretary General, Yildirim noted that the expectations of the Turkish side and the international community on the issue of wasting time have reached their limit.

Stressing that the principle in the relations between Turkey and the "TRNC" is "whatever there is in Turkey, there will also be in the TRNC", Yildirim said that they will continue to work in order that the "TRNC" will possess everything Turkey has, particularly in terms of infrastructure.

Replying to questions after the press conference, Akinci was asked to comment whether the crisis in Istanbul was over since they will meet in a bi-communal event with students on Thursday (today). He claimed that there was no actual crisis, but an "artificially created situation". He noted that it was natural to meet with UN Secretary General and participate in the dinner in Istanbul, adding "We expect now that Mr Anastasiades will establish the necessary dialogue for a new meeting date, preferably not too late, with both the UN and with us".

Meanwhile, in his meeting with Ozgurgun, Yildirim said that the Cyprus problem is Turkey's national cause for more than half a century and added: "We would be happy to see a lasting, just, sustainable bi-zonal and bi-communal administrative model to come to life in Cyprus. We are all on the same page if that is the case. This is why we support the negotiations to the very end. We believe that such an opportunity should not be missed once again. The Turkish Cypriot side is working hard in that direction but a settlement will only be possible if the Greek Cypriot side shows the same sincerity".

On the economic development, Yildirim said that there are numerous joint projects being conducted between the two "countries", adding, however, that infrastructure projects alone are not enough. "We also need to focus on projects higher up. More cultural and educational projects are needed for the people of the two countries to bond more. Over three million people travel to and from the TRNC annually. There are thousands of students studying here. All these are extremely important elements strengthening the bond between the two countries", Yildirim said.

(DPs)

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers Prime Minister Yildirim's illegal visit to the occupied area of Cyprus

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (02.06.16) emphasizes on the reply given by Akinci to a question as to whether the so-called "Istanbul crisis" was overcome. According to the paper, Akinci wondered whether there was a crisis and reiterated the allegation that "there was a situation artificially created". Referring to the social meeting he was expected to have today with President Anastasiades, Akinci wished that the ground for a new meeting [within the framework of the Cyprus talks] is created. "We expect Mr Anastasiades to propose a new date for a meeting, a date which preferably will not be late, by holding the necessary dialogue both with us and with the UN", he said and reiterated that wherever he is, he will be ready to meet with the UNSG if the conditions are appropriate, arguing that "there is nothing more natural than this". He noted that if the Turkish President invites him to a dinner in which officials of foreign countries will be participating, he will "of course attend". He said that the dinner in Istanbul was not the first dinner he attended. "If they really imply that they could return to the negotiating process by putting such conditions, they should know that such conditions could not be accepted", he claimed.

Under the banner front-page title "We were struck by a thunderbolt", Turkish Cypriot Afrika newspaper (02.06.16) reports that as soon as Yildirim arrived in the occupied area of Cyprus, he said that "whatever there is in Turkey, there will also be in the TRNC". "And we say to Yildirim 'do not bother us, that is all we ask of you'", writes the paper, which referring to Akinci's statements, notes that he expressed his satisfaction with the fact that during his meeting with Yildirim he saw that Turkey's so-called support and determination in the negotiating process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem continues.

Under the banner front-page title "Cross invitation to the leaders", Turkish Cypriot Havadis newspaper (02.06.16) writes that after the "Istanbul crisis", Yildirim evaluated Akinci's visit in a different manner and said that Akinci should be meeting not only with President Erdogan, but with Greek Prime Minister Tsipras as well and has invited President Anastasiades to Turkey. Yildirim said that Turkey's support to the Turkish Cypriots will continue in all fields and added that the parameters of the solution in Cyprus are known and that an agreement providing for political equality and guarantees could be reached by the end of the year.

Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (02.06.16) emphasizes on the same point of Yildirim's statements under the title "Invitation to Anastasiades" noting that Yildirim expressed the view that such meetings "would be a good message to the world and the society from the point of view of the sincerity of the sides".

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (02.06.16) covers Yildirim's statements under the title "The economic protocol has entered into effect, he says" and notes that Yildirim stated that the "economic protocol" between Turkey and the regime for the period 2016-18 has entered into effect. Pointing out that the "government" has not yet briefed the "people" on the content of the "protocol", the paper writes that Yildirim said that the targets set until today within the framework of the "economic protocols" signed with the regime have been achieved and many of the projects materialized in the occupied area of Cyprus do not exist in the government-controlled area.

Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (02.06.16) writes that Yildirim said that the "protocol" was signed three days ago adding that the issue of electricity is included in it and that everything needed for transferring electricity from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus will be done. "Turkey is necessary for Cyprus and Cyprus is necessary for Turkey", he argued and alleged that the "slightest mistake committed against our brothers living in the TRNC, will be committed against Turkey as well".

Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (02.06.16) emphasizes on the statement made by Akinci as regards the importance of the forthcoming seven months for the solution of the Cyprus problem. Under the title "We have a critical period before us", the paper writes that Akinci argued that "as we have been doing until today, we are ready to work with all our power from now on as well for achieving a text of a federal bi-zonal bi-communal agreement on the basis of political equality". He described as "important" Turkey's support both on the issue of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and on other issues and added that while efforts for solving the Cyprus problem are exerted, the Turkish Cypriots should simultaneously work hard for improving their living conditions.

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) refers to Yildirim's statements under the title "He gave trust" and writes that Akinci said that the next seven month period should be used by working hard and sincerely so that the opportunity for a solution is not wasted.

Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (02.06.16) refers to Yildirim's meeting with self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgrugun during which the Turkish Premier referred to the Cyprus problem and said: "We have a cause which exceeds half a century. This cause passed through a lot of tests. Every time, whatever the conditions were, we never abandoned what we thought was right, we did not make a step backwards. We do not intend to make a step backwards from now on. If a model of a bi-zonal, just and lasting administration on the island is reached, then it is fine. We agree on this issue. That is why we support until the end the ongoing negotiations on six chapters. We believe that this important opportunity should not be wasted again".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Ak?nc? called Greece to show stronger support to the Cyprus negotiation process

Touching upon the Cyprus problem during an event he attended yesterday, Akinci reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side's desire to achieve a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement that safeguards the interests of both communities living on the island and claimed that Turkey fully supported this goal.

"Our hope is that Greece which has lately been unable to show keen interest in the Cyprus problem due to the economic crisis it has been experiencing, will show stronger support to the ongoing efforts for a solution" said Ak?nc?, adding that they expected to achieve speedy results from the negotiations in the period ahead.

Also, commenting on the crisis in the talks which erupted after he attended a dinner reception in Istanbul, Akinci described Greek Cypriot side's reaction as "a little over the top".

Stating that the Turkish Cypriot side will continue to maintain a calm stance in the talks, Ak?nc? stressed that the future could only be determined through dialogue and negotiations.

Claiming that they will continue showing a determined stance for the solution and peace in the island, Akinci stressed the need to work endlessly in order to improve the quality of life of the "people" in the "TRNC". "We cannot freeze life, we do not have the luxury to suspend everything until the post solution period", added Akinci.

"We shall endlessly and tirelessly continue to work towards a solution and we shall not take any steps back. No one has the right to tell us when and where we can and cannot meet with the UN Secretary General. Yes, a settlement can only be found at the negotiating table but this does not give anyone the right to block our contacts with anyone", Akinci argued.

[04] Ertugruloglu and Denktas condemned Kasoulides' statements

In a written statement issued yesterday, Ertugruloglu alleged that Kasoulides' statement only demonstrated once again the Greek Cypriot side's insincerity towards a solution.

"The Cyprus problem began in 1963 when the Greek Cypriots kicked out the Turkish Cypriots from the state apparatus by force of arms. This was followed by a policy of isolation of Turkish Cypriots. There are currently two entities on this island", Ertugruloglu claimed. "One of these entities which are not even subject to debate is the legitimate TRNC. It is the Greek Cypriot side which deserves to be labeled 'pseudo' because it is the Greek Cypriots who claim to be representing the whole island when they are actually not", Ertugruloglu also added.

He also accused the Greek Cypriot side of not seeing the Turkish Cypriots as its equal partners and alleged that "It is because of this stance that the Greek Cypriot side's real intentions should be questioned".

Ertugruloglu called on the Greek Cypriot side from refraining to make such statements and to focus its attention and energy towards achieving a new partnership on the basis of the political equality of the two sides.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (02.06.16) reports that so-called deputy prime minister and minister of finance, Serdar Denktas, issued a written statement and expressed strong criticism to the statements made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, who described the "TRNC" as a "fake state".

Denktas argued that these statements by Kasoulides aimed to humiliate the Turkish Cypriots.

He claimed also that "even if the TRNC is recognized only by Turkey, it is a reality and exists with its democracy, land, language and human beings".

Denktas added also the following: "The statement of the Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister towards the TRNC as a 'fake state' emphasizes the perspective of the Greek Cypriot politicians for the Turkish Cypriots once again".

Denktas also called the Greek Cypriots to be aware that if they continue to have this mentality, the solution to be found on the Cyprus problem will also be a "fake solution". "A solution which the Greek Cypriot administration tried to reach with a state it named as a 'pseudo state" will be a 'fake solution'", Denktas said.

(AK)

[05] Water supply suspended due to technical problems

In statements to the paper, officials of Turkey's State Water Affairs Department (DSI), said efforts were being made in order for the problem to be solved the soonest possible.

(?)

(AK)

[06] The Trade Union Platform protested over the "circular" of the "interior ministry" aiming to put limitations on the right to protest

The protesters put a black wreath in front of the "ministry's headquarters" and threw down the "circular", stating that they do not recognize it.

During the march, the protesters were holding banners writing: "We do not recognize the charta (firman) of those who do not recognize the constitution", "withdraw you package", "no to the charta (firman)".

Also, in statements during the protest, the chairman of Turk-Sen trade union Arslan Bicakli warned that they will proceed to more crowded protests if the "government" will not withdraw the "circular" and argued that the "circular" is contrary to "article 32" of the "constitution".

Moreover, the chairman of KTOEOS trade union, Tahir Gokcebel, stated that they gathered in front of the "ministry of interior" without permission beforehand and called the "ministry" to withdraw the "circular".

Criticizing the so-called police for its intervention during the bi-communal event organized on the occasion of the "commemoration of Fazil Onder", Gokcebel argued that its aim was to arrest the Greek Cypriots and argued that these actions are nothing else but an indicator of their wish for the continuation of the separatist regime.

(?)

(AK)

[07] The F-4 Fantom warplane used in the Turkish invasion to be exhibited in the Municipality of Adana

Issuing a written statement on the issue, the director of the Department of Environment, Aviation, Protection and Control of the Municipality of Adana Duran Kaya, stated, inter alia, that the warplane was transferred to Adana six years ago and explained that the warplane which is of "historical importance".

Kaya added that the warplane will be exhibited at the Central Park of the Municipality of Adana in 15-20 days once the maintenance works will be completed.

(AK)

[08] Yildirim calls Armenian killings "ordinary" and urges Germany to show "common sense"

"This vote is a ridiculous vote," Y?ld?r?m told reporters on June 1, when asked about a planned vote on a resolution on the issue in Germany's Parliament scheduled for June 2.

Speaking before his departure for the "TRNC", his first official customary visit abroad, Yildirm stated: "Ordinary events that could take place in any society or any country took place in 1915, in the context of World War I".

"We know that those trying to hit Turkey with a bill are not well-intentioned. We are telling the entire world loud and clear that we have laid our cards on the table, let everything be researched", Yildirim said, adding: "But this should be done by historians. It would be wrong to use it as a tool for politics, for calculations in politics. There is no doubt that our relations [with Germany] would be harmed by the bill. We don't want relations to be harmed," Y?ld?r?m said, recalling that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had already conveyed Ankara's "uneasiness and concerns" during a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 31.

(?)

"I hope the German Parliament and decision-makers do not turn a deaf ear to the voice of 3.5 million of their voters," Y?ld?r?m also said, referring to the large ethnic Turkish population in Germany.

"God willing, common sense will prevail and such an annoying decision won't come up ? In the past, similar resolutions were adopted in other countries. For us it is a null and void matter, but still we don't want it to be adopted," he added.

"Our relations with Germany and the European Union are at a very good level. Particularly in recent times we have made significant progress on the issues of visa liberalization, the readmission agreement and preventing illegal migration. Turkey is not a country that blackmails, utters threats and develops plans," Y?ld?r?m also said.

"We are committed to agreements we made until the end," he added, referring to the recent migrant deal. "Let the European Union also stick to its promises. This is not a tribal state; the Republic of Turkey is a country with established state customs," he added.

[09] Kilicdaroglu: "The Armenian issue should not be used as a political tool"

Speaking ahead of a June 2 vote in the German Parliament on recognizing the massacres of Armenians during the First World War as genocide, K?l?cdaroglu said that the issue came up during a breakfast meeting with ambassadors of EU-member countries accredited in Ankara on June 1.

"We expressed our views on the issue. We told them that this subject shouldn't be a political issue. It shouldn't be used as a political tool. Historians should deal with the matter. Turkey has opened all of its archives. The whole world has the right to know the truth but Armenia has not opened its archives and should do so," Kilicdaroglu told reporters after the meeting.

Asked whether the German ambassador had attended the meeting, K?l?cdaroglu said he did not. "We invited him but we don't know whether he is in Turkey or not," he added.

Kilicdaroglu also expressed hope for the liberalization of visa requirements for Turkish citizens in the EU, saying that is not right to link the issue to "other conditions." "We have already stated that there is a need for agreements to be kept. The ethical values of unity can harmonize with this together," K?l?cdaroglu said.

[10] Newly appointed EU Minister Celik held contacts in Brussels

With the future of visa-free travel to the EU's Schengen Zone for citizens of Turkey unresolved due to Ankara and Brussels exchanging ultimatums, Celik said that a group of technical experts would arrive in Turkey today, June 2, to examine the visa liberalization process.

Prefacing that the level reached in Turkish-EU relations is owed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Celik said that reforms in this regard were conducted under Erdogan's leadership.

Although Brussels says the deal will succeed, it also insists that Turkey meets the EU's 72 benchmarks, including narrowing its counter-terrorism laws. The EU's stance which has received much criticism from Turkish officials.

Celik reiterated that Turkey couldn't be expected to narrow its counter-terrorism laws under the current circumstances in which terrorist organizations such as DAESH, the PKK and the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party Front (DHKP-C) pose threats to security and citizens.

As part of his official visit, Celik met with the European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn, as well as the EU Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Speaking at a press conference, Celik said that the EU project is one of the fundamental matters in Turkey's politics and that Turkey has no issues concerning reform decrees. "Realizing the visa liberalization as Turkey has requested is exceptionally significant," he said.

Providing details of his meeting with Timmermans in Antalya, Celik said: "We discussed what could be done for the two criteria left out of the 72 requirements. We determined a road map that includes technical experts meeting in Turkey to exchange views on the matter. If it results in a meaningful portrait, [Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and I] will meet with Timmermans once again followed by meetings including President Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel."

Emphasizing Turkey's devotion and determination to continue the Turkey-EU refugee agreement, which includes accelerating Turkey's EU membership bid and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals in the Schengen area if Turkey meets the 72 benchmarks, Celik supported it is impossible for visa liberalization talks to be excluded from the agreement, calling it inseparable. "Visa liberalization must not be perceived as a threat. The currently active mechanisms must not be disengaged, but rather must increasingly continue their momentum", he added.

Commenting on the requirement to amend the counter-terrorism laws, Celik said that the laws will not be changed as Turkey expects empathy from the EU on the matter since anti-terror laws in Europe vary according to states' needs. He added that the EU must not apply a double standard for Turkey regarding the visa liberalization process.

[11] Turkey and Uganda signed agreements and MoA in several fields

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Ugandan Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol Okullu also signed an agreement on the mutual removal of visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders in the presence of Erdogan and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni.

Furthermore, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Ugandan Tourism, Wildlife and Historical Artifacts Minister Maria Lubega Mutagamba signed a cooperation agreement on tourism. Also, Zeybekci and Ugandan Defense Minister C. W. C. B. Kiyonga signed a cooperation agreement on the defense industry, Cavusoglu and Kiyonga signed a military memorandum of understanding, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak and Ugandan Energy and Mineral Development Minister Irene Muloni signed a cooperation agreement on hydrocarbon, mines and minerals, and Kaynak and Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on higher education between the Council of Higher Education (YOK) and Uganda's Education, Science, Technology and Sports Ministry. Cavusoglu and Kutesa also signed a joint declaration on the occasion of Erdogan's official visit. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK / AM)

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