Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-06-13

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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 argues that they could overcome the "embargoes" with the good quality, good standards and fair price of their products

[02] Turkish Minister Zeybekci: "TRNC will be Turkey's vegetable garden"

[03] Zeybekci: "We don't see TRNC as another country"

[04] Denktas: We should take counter-actions to the property lawsuits filed by the Greek Cypriots

[05] Ozgurgun: "A strong Turkish Cypriot people and a strong Turkish Cypriot state structure are needed in an agreement"

[06] Cavusoglu: The price of the water from Turkey was calculated to include all investments, including the future ones

[07] The agreement for the establishment of the "youth coordination office" to be approved today by the "assembly"

[08] More about the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points

[09] An application to hold a religious ceremony at St. George Exorinos was rejected

[10] The so-called foreign ministry condemned the employment of new staff by the Republic of Cyprus' National Guard

[11] Vacant land in occupied Keryneia was given for rent to a firm activated in hotel industry

[12] Erdogan disappointed by Obama, Putin

[13] Celik: Visa-free travel to Europe postponed due to EU's failed promises

[14] Turkish daily reveals Turkey's measures against Germany over the approval of the Armenian genocide bill

[15] The Turkish Army to be granted extra powers

[16] Turkey sends key diplomat Sinirlioglu to New York as new Envoy to UN

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that they could overcome the "embargoes" with the good quality, good standards and fair price of their products

Akinci noted that he needs everyone's support at the negotiating table and that he will carry out the negotiations for finding a solution which will protect the legitimate rights and interests of both communities defending the equality, the security and the freedom of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

Akinci argued that strengthening the economy and the democracy of the "TRNC" is a necessary precondition in order for the Turkish Cypriots to be able to stand on their own feet and face the conditions of competitiveness in the EU and in a federal Cyprus.

Akinci said that the important thing is for the Turkish Cypriots producing products at international standards, good quality and fair price. "I think that there is no obstacle which we will not be able to overcome when we do this in the time we live", he argued and referring to the so-called embargoes allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots, he claimed:

"Yes, there are some unfair situations created by the embargoes. For example, there are really serious differences between the transport price of a container in the south going from the one place to the other and our come and go prices. These are elements which make competition difficult. [?] However, it is now possible during these times to find the way of selling the products we produce in good quality, good standards and fair price. We are living in a global village now and there are some advantages which are created by this and did not exist in the past [?]"

Referring to the energy resources in Eastern Mediterranean, Akinci reiterated the view that Turkey is the shortest, wisest and most rational way for transferring these resources to the markets and alleged that formulas outside this [choice] will create bigger costs and last longer. He further argued that a solution in Cyprus will turn Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots into "indisputable parts of this energy balance" in Eastern Mediterranean.

Akinci described as an important project the transport of the Israeli and Cypriot natural gas to Europe through Turkey after the solution in Cyprus and the approach between Turkey and Israel which he said he hopes to be announced soon. He added that everybody knows that efforts are exerted for transferring electricity from Israel to Greece and Europe through Cyprus with undersea cables and claimed that this would be an "unnecessary spending of money and time".

Referring to the water brought from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci described it as extremely important and noted that it will be used both for drinking and agricultural purposes. He further recalled of statements made by Turkish officials that the Greek Cypriots could also benefit from this water in the future.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish Minister Zeybekci: "TRNC will be Turkey's vegetable garden"

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (11.06.16), under the title "TRNC will be Turkey's vegetable garden" reports that Turkish Minister Zeybekci, at his opening address, said that Turkey will always continue its support to the "TRNC, adding that the investments in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus are being increased in every passing year and "TRNC" has reached a good point. Stressing that a decision has been taken in order to give incentive support to all Turkish businessmen who will make investments in the "TRNC", as it happens in Turkey, the Turkish Minister said that they will convey this issue to the "TRNC officials" and the investors will get subsidies. He further said: "After this, hand by hand Turkey-TRNC, we will transform TRNC's economy in order to stand on its own feet", adding that they have also the support of their Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

Zeybekci announced that during the fall, the first "Cyprus fair" will be organized in Turkey, where the "Cypriot products" and the tourism will be promoted.

Noting that they will contribute to the solution of the problems regarding the stockbreeding issue and other issues, the Turkish Minister referred also to the water issue. He stressed that the water coming from Turkey may be used as "first class agriculture water" and the "TRNC" as an "agriculture country" can be transformed into Turkey's vegetable garden.

Commenting on Zeybekci's statements, columnist Sami Ozuslu, writing in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (13.06.16), said that while Zeybekci was speaking, he also said: "I can't say it like this, it is a diplomatic gaff", but he did not stop doing "gaffs". Ozuslu writes that Zeybekci said: "For us, TRNC is not a separate state", "Here is Kayseri, is Edirne".

Ozuslu wonders what the world will say when they will hear these statements or what the Greek Cypriots will do if they hear these. "These are some strange questions.. or aren't they?"

Referring to Zeybekci's statement regardign the water coming from Turkey, Ozuslu writes: "He said: 'Here, it will become Turkey's vegetable garden'...The water has arrived but we cannot drink it, of course, we will use it for agriculture. According to Zeybekci, we must produce a lot. They told us that we will take these products to Turkey's market. He even gave us two more 'good news': 'With Allah's permission a 'Cyprus fair' will be held on October in Turkey!' and again with 'Allah's permission, they will undertake the promoting and marketing of the TRNC products in the foreign countries!'. Many thanks esteemed Minister... If you have not told us, we would not have known anything about it... meaning, that we will be 'vegetable garden'... meanng, to trust you for the promoting and marketing our products...Nice work!"

Commenting also on the Turkish firefighting helicopters that will be stationed at the occupied area of Cyprus, Ozuslu writes: "Don't forget... Veysel Eroglu informed us regarding the helicopter and among the other things he said regarding the TRNC last week, he said: 'The production of almonds, olives and carobs in the TRNC will be incited'." Ozuslu stressed: "Minister Eroglu should have known that this country used to produce, almonds, olives, carops and citrus fruits. However, all has ended. We cut them, we cut land, we dried them, we let them die. There were factories that used to process these products. We closed them one after the other. Why? It is not because the Turkish Cypriots are lazy. Turkey told us 'Don't produce, we will feed you'? 'how much population do you have? Don't produce."

(DPs)

[03] Zeybekci: "We don't see TRNC as another country"

Zeybekci, for his part, said that they don't see "TRNC" as another country or another economy and added: "Maybe, it is a diplomatic gaff, but we see the place here as Kayseri, Edirne". He explained that they feel the same about their people there and here (translator's note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), adding that for this reason they will increase the economic cooperation and the mutual production. The products being produced in "Cyprus" will be sold in Turkey, he noted.

(DPs)

[04] Denktas: We should take counter-actions to the property lawsuits filed by the Greek Cypriots

Denktas was speaking at a meeting with the chairman of the "real estate agents'" union, Hasan Sungur, who alleged that some very serious impasses and dangers exist in the Cyprus negotiations as regards the property and claimed that people are concerned especially by an agreement which will provide for the return of the Greek Cypriots to their occupied properties.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Ozgurgun: "A strong Turkish Cypriot people and a strong Turkish Cypriot state structure are needed in an agreement"

In statements during one of his meetings the day before yesterday, Ozgurgun argued that the Cyprus problem takes an important position in the work of his "government". He alleged that there is absolutely no change in the Greek Cypriot side's stance and that during Akinci's recent visit to Istanbul they faced a "Greek Cypriot mentality which could not digest" Akinci's meeting with the UNSG.

Ozgurgun reiterated the known Turkish position that the equality of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and "motherland" Turkey's effective and active guarantees are sine qua non for the Turkish Cypriots. "I hope that the Greek Cypriot side accepts an agreement under these conditions", he claimed alleging that "a strong Turkish Cypriot people and a strong Turkish Cypriot state structure are needed in an agreement".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Cavusoglu: The price of the water from Turkey was calculated to include all investments, including the future ones

In statements made yesterday, Cavusoglu criticized those who allege that the "municipalities" will go bankrupt when they pay the price of 2.30 TL for the water and wondered why they think that the price of 2.30 TL for water coming from another country is high, when they attempt to sell water coming from a distance of one kilometer at the price of 4 TL.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Bakis (13.06.16) reports that referring to the same issue, Bektas Goze, chairman of the "union of chambers of Turkish Cypriot architects and engineers", said that the politicians try to persuade the people that the water is given to the Turkish Cypriots from Turkey as a "donation", but this is not corresponding to the truth. He noted that in the "protocol" signed it is said that the expenses at all stages of transferring the water will be paid by the Turkish Cypriots "until the last penny".

(I/Ts.)

[07] The agreement for the establishment of the "youth coordination office" to be approved today by the "assembly"

A few days ago the agreement, which was signed between the breakaway regime and Turkey for the establishment and the activities of the "?outh coordination office" was approved by the related "committee of the assembly".

The paper notes that demonstrations and actions against the approval of the agreement have been taking place for the last two days outside the "parliament's building".

(CS)

[08] More about the opening of Deryneia and Apliki crossing points

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (12.06.16) under the title: "Open this gate", reported that the Turkish Cypriot teachers' trade union (KTOS), the "Famagusta Initiative" and the New Cyprus Party (YKP) organized an activity on Saturday at the entrance of the within the walls area of occupied Famagusta, demanding from the politicians to keep their promises and contribute for the opening of the Deryneia crossing point.

In statements during the event, Sener Elcil on behalf of KTOS, stated, inter alia, that the opening of Deryneia crossing point will contribute not only to the economy of this place but also will constitute the beginning of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Also Yilmaz Parlan, shopkeeper in occupied Famagusta and one of the organizers of the activity, noted that the Cyprus problem exists for 43 years and that they have been exerting efforts during the past 13 years to open the Deryneia crossing point.

Stating that the EU has sent 2,1 million euro for the opening of this crossing point, Parlan said that "not even a nail has been driven to the place" and argued that the money were spend and that they are asking from the EU to send another 2,5 million euro for this purpose.

Moreover, Murat Kanatli, general secretary of YKP, said inter alia, that his party struggles for the opening of Deryneia crossing point for years and added that it will continue to do so.

Supporting that they consider the demilitarization of occupied Famagusta possible to take place, Kanatli called for overcoming the problems for the opening of Deryneia crossing point the soonest possible.

(?)

(AK)

[09] An application to hold a religious ceremony at St. George Exorinos was rejected

According to the paper's information from the "ministry of foreign affairs", the application was rejected because the day was not coincident with an "important" religious day according to them.

Meanwhile, the paper reports that permission was given to hold a religious ceremony on the 12th of June at the church of Analypseos at the occupied village of Acheritou.

(DPs)

[10] The so-called foreign ministry condemned the employment of new staff by the Republic of Cyprus' National Guard

According to paper, the so-called ministry underlined in the statement that they follow with concern this development, especially in a period where the ongoing Cyprus negotiation process aiming to find a solution to the Cyprus problem has been intensified. "We have difficulty to understand this approach by the Greek Cypriot administration to strengthen its forces and we consider this as an effort to create tension", the statement alleged.

The statement further claimed that this decision by the "Greek Cypriot administration" is not in accord with the leaders' statement towards finding a solution by the end of 2016 and also it does not serve anything else but the approach that the "Greek Cypriot side" is not sincere towards the solution.

The "ministry" called through the statement the Greek Cypriot side to avoid these kinds of actions that may affect the solution process.

(AK)

[11] Vacant land in occupied Keryneia was given for rent to a a firm activated in hotel industry

The paper notes that this issue had created a crisis in the past between the previous "government" of UBP and the Republican Turkish Party.

It also reports that a stadium under the name "Mete Adanir" which is located next to the above mentioned vacant land was also given to a contractor who is member of DP for 1,3 trillion Turkish Lira.

(CS)

[12] Erdogan disappointed by Obama, Putin

"We were very hopeful when Obama picked Turkey as the first country to visit when he took the seat," Erdogan said, responding to journalists' questions on mutual ties on a plane as he returned early from the United States, where he attended part of boxing legend Muhammad Ali's funeral.

Erdogan also recalled that the two countries also hoped to build a "model partnership." "Unfortunately our expectations did not come true. For example, in the economic fields, the ties declined instead of improving. Our expectations in foreign politics were also not fulfilled," he said.

The President said the U.S. withdrew from Iraq as Obama had promised but moved from there to Afghanistan. Obama could not solve the Guantanamo prison issue, he added.

"We could not show a strong presence together on Syria and Iraq," he said. One of the most prominent problems is the U.S. support for the Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), the armed wing of the Syria's Democratic Union Party (PYD), in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIL), Erdogan said.

But while commenting of the deadlock in Syria, Erdogan said it was not right to blame Obama for everything. "But of course I would expect a much stronger stance from Obama and I still do," he said. "Your NATO ally faces a threat at its Syrian border. It disappoints Turkey when those who have assumed a role in this threat receive power from you."

Another issue of discomfort is Russia's outlook on Syria, the ?resident said.

"Our friendship with Putin carried the mutual relations to a very advanced level," Erdogan said, adding that this totally changed after the downing of a Russian plane by a Turkish jet for allegedly violating the Turkish airspace in November 2015.

The Turkish President said ???? Turkish trade volume with Russia was even higher than trade with the U.S. and that the goal was to reach $100 billion annually. "I hope that the relations will recover soon and we will return to those old days even more strongly," Erdogan said.

[13] Celik: Visa-free travel to Europe postponed due to EU's failed promises

Celik evaluated the European Commission's requirement that Ankara reflect? a narrowed definition of terrorism in its anti-terror law in return for visa-free travel as "unacceptable."

Celik emphasized that Turkey will not consider softening its anti-terror laws as doing so would "weaken Turkey in its fight against terror." "Put yourself in our shoes, what would the Netherlands, France or Spain do if they were neighbors with Syria? What would they do in the face of such an authority gap and uncontrollable borders?" he asked.

Asserting that it is not possible for Turkey and the EU to strike a bargain within the next three weeks, Celik said that he remains hopefully for effective negotiations in the near future, as the EU term-presidency will be transferred from the Netherlands to Slovakia on July 1.

[14] Turkish daily reveals Turkey's measures against Germany over the approval of the Armenian genocide bill

According to the paper, the Council of Ministers decided to take diplomatic and political measures against Germany.

As a first step in the diplomatic field, Turkey has decided to recall some of its Consulate Generals in several cities in Germany and to downgrade the level of their ties at the lowest level. At the same time, no meetings will take place between the Ministers of the two countries. The two countries will be meeting on the level of Undersecretaries of General Directors. Also, the works of the joint delegations of the two countries will be suspended, writes the paper.

Invoking reliable sources, the paper adds that the Council of Ministers has decided not to take any measures that may affect exports to Germany, since Germany has got an important place in Turkey's exports and it is its biggest trade partner. Instead of this, Turkey has decided not to boycott the German products but to slowdown their entrance distribution in Turkey.

(AK)

[15] The Turkish Army to be granted extra powers

It appears that the new bill drafted by the AKP will be hotly debated. The most striking aspect of the bill, which gives the Council of Ministers the power to declare state of emergency without the Assembly's approval, is the powers accorded to the military. The powers of the military, ''clipped'' during the AKP rule, are now being reinstated and expanded.

According to a news report in daily Cumhuriyet, the power to declare OHAL, which currently requires the Assembly's approval, is now entirely being handed over to the Council of Ministers. Under the bill, upon the Ministry of Interior's proposal, the Council of Ministers will commission the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] and determine ''the content, duration, and scope of the task and powers involving intelligence gathering as well as limitations regarding the use of auxiliary weapons.'' The military details such as the size of units and locations will be decided by the General Staff.

[16] Turkey sends key diplomat Sinirlioglu to New York as new Envoy to UN

Accordingly, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry at the headquarters in Ankara since August 2009 who has been involved in several key international and regional affairs, has become Turkey's new Permanent Representative at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Days after recalling its Ambassador to Germany, Huseyin Avni Karslioglu, upon the Bundestag's approval of a bill describing the mass killings of Anatolian Armenians during the World War I as "genocide," Ankara decided to make outgoing Deputy Undersecretary Ali Kemal Aydin its new Envoy in Berlin, according to diplomatic sources.

Deputy Foreign Minister Naci Koru, an architect of the EU-Turkey readmission agreement, has been appointed as the chief of the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland.

Ambassador Huseyin Dirioz, who has in the past served at key posts such as the chief foreign policy adviser to the Turkish president and as NATO Assistant Secretary General for defense policy and planning, has been posted as Turkey's new Envoy to Moscow.

Turkey's current Ambassador in Baghdad, Faruk Kaymakci, is set to take over from Ambassador Selim Yenel as the head of the Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU in Brussels.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry at the headquarters, Tanju Bilgic, has for the first time been appointed as an Ambassador. Bilgic will serve as Turkey's Envoy to Belgrade. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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

(CS/ AM)

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