Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-06-21

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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] The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive coverage to the fire on Troodos Mountains; Akinci offers help with fire planes from Turkey

[02] The "assembly" approves the "economic and financial cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime

[03] The Platform "We reject" held a protest action against the approval of the "sport coordination office"

[04] Ozgurgun evaluated the establishment of the "sport coordination office", the Cyprus negotiation process and the "citizenship" issue

[05] SDP leader Tunali argues that they don't need the "coordination office"

[06] Illegal TAK news agency is accused of censoring the protest of "We Are Rejecting It" Platform

[07] Statements by Akinci after meeting with Anastasiades

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that a proposal has been submitted in the Cyprus talks regarding the International Airport of Nicosia

[09] The syllabus of the "Theological Hala Sultan College" was found to be illegal

[10] Writing with sprays on historical walls in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[11] A new five-star hotel will be constructed in the occupied town of Keryneia

[12] Erdogan condemns 'both sides' over Istanbul record store attack

[13] Erdogan: The Turkish nation will call the EU to account for supporting terrorism

[14] Israel and Turkey are reportedly very close to a deal for the normalization of their ties

[15] CHP's refugee report reveals widespread child abuse, child labor in Turkey

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot press gives extensive coverage to the fire on Troodos Mountains; Akinci offers help with fire planes from Turkey

Under the title "They did not accept help", daily Vatan newspaper reports that the "fire in the south continues" and that Baris Burcu, spokesman of Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, has stated that after it had been understood that the fire could not be controlled, Akinci personally contacted President Anastasiades on Sunday night and conveyed the Turkish Cypriot side's readiness to undertake an initiative in the direction of a fire plane from Turkey helping in extinguishing the fire. Burcu said that President Anastasiades told Akinci that he believed that the Republic of Cyprus could put the fire under control using its own means, that the Republic was committed to accept help from Israel in case it could not put out the fire alone and that it did not need such help at that stage.

Under the title "Fire horror in south Cyprus", daily Kibris reports that Burcu said that Akinci gave instructions for readiness and mobilization of all Turkish Cypriot forces since the beginning of the fire in the Pafos area. Burcu argued that he tried to call the Government Spokesman in order to offer help in extinguishing the fire, but he was unable to contact him. After that, he added, Akinci's adviser Erhan Ercin called President Anastasiades' adviser Pantelis Pantelides and conveyed him their readiness to help. Burcu argued that Akinci gave instructions that all fire vehicles of the breakaway regime to be ready to interfere in case the Greek Cypriots asked for help.

Under the title "Troodos in flames", Afrika newspaper reports that after occupied Pentadaktylos Mountains, Troodos was also burned and argues that the Greek Cypriots denied the Turkish Cypriot offer for help as the Turkish Cypriots had rejected the Greek Cypriot offer for help when Pentadaktylos was burning. The paper refers also to Burcu's statements under the title "Akinci offered help from Turkey".

Yeni Duzen newspaper refers to the issue under the title "We are burning inside" and Havadis newspaper talks about a "Big disaster on Troodos".

(I/Ts.)

[02] The "assembly" approves the "economic and financial cooperation agreement" between Turkey and the breakaway regime

Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (21.06.16) reports that the discussion lasted for more than ten hours and that 16 "deputies" voted against the "protocol", while eight abstained from voting.

According to the paper, the "protocol" includes a clear time table for privatization of the occupied ports and the "telecommunication authority". It also provides for the division of the services offered by the "electricity authority", which will be assigned to [private] companies. A time table also exists for carrying electricity from Turkey with a cable to the occupied area of Cyprus. Turfan Erhurman, general secretary of the "main opposition" Republican Turkish Party (CTP), has stated that they will not accept privatizations and handing over their "institutions".

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (21.06.16) reports that the efforts for decreasing the number of the "municipalities" in the occupied area of the island have started, according to the provisions of the "economic protocol" for the period 2016-18 signed between Turkey and the regime. The "protocol" provides for the decrease of the number of the "municipalities" from 28 to 15 through the merging of some "municipalities". The target is to materialize this change by the end of 2016. The paper publishes a map of the new 15 "municipalities", which will be the following:

Lefka, Morfou, Lapithos (occupied Lapithos and Karavas "municipalities" will be merged), Keryneia, Dikomo, Gonyeli (occupied Gonyeli and Yerolakkos "municipalities will be merged), Nicosia, Agios Epiktitos (occupied Agios Epiktitos and Agios Amvrosios "municipalities" will be merged), Kythrea (occupied Kythrea and Louroudjina "municipalities" will be merged), North Mesaria (occupied Lefkoniko, Chatoz and Akanthou "municipalities" will be merged), South Mesaria (occupied Lysi, Sinda, Vadili, Ashia and Pergamos "municipalities" will be merged), Famagusta, Trikomo, Galateia (occupied Galateia and Komi Kepir "municipalities" will be merged) and Yialousa (occupied Yialousa and Rizokarpaso "municipalities" will be merged).

(I/Ts.)

[03] The Platform "We reject" held a protest action against the approval of the "sport coordination office"

The protestors made up by a large majority of youth walked from the traffic lights junction at the beginning of Dereboyu all the way to the "parliament" blocking traffic.

The youth chanted slogans and protested the "parliament's approval" of the establishment of the "youth and sports ministry's overseas coordination office".

Delivering a short speech there, the Social Democratic Party's (TDP) "deputy" Zeki Celer thanked the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci for sending the "law" and the "protocol" on the establishment of the "coordination office" to the "constitutional court".

Akinci sent the "bill" to the "constitutional court" on the notion that the "law" contained "articles" which were in violation of the "TRNC constitution".

The protestors then moved on to the "parliament" where Celer delivered another speech noting that the youth would not accept the "coordination office" and therefore, the "office" would not function properly.

[04] Ozgurgun evaluated the establishment of the "sport coordination office", the Cyprus negotiation process and the "citizenship" issue

Evaluating the issue, Ozgurgun claimed that "this office is solely aimed at contributing to the youth and sports of the TRNC. It is an international agreement which was signed with motherland Turkey and which aims at providing support and funding to our sports in accordance with our projects", Ozgurgun said.

He, however, complained that although they tried to explain the task of the office, there were some circles who did not want to understand. "You cannot explain to those who do not want to understand. How can you explain by force to someone who does not want to understand? You can't. The General Secretary of the Greek Cypriot AKEL Party also made a statement on the issue. How can you explain to those who want to act with them?" Ozgurgun also said.

Stating that a strong infrastructure was formed by passing the "agreement" from the "parliaments" of both countries, he alleged that the "coordination office" will serve to develop Turkish Cypriot sports and youth projects through a "law" to be enacted by the "TRNC prime ministry".

Stressing the need for the Turkish Cypriot "people" to see the scenario played clearly, Ozgurgun added: "Would I, as prime minister give my mandate, my authorities to someone else? I wouldn't. However I am not going to explain anything to those who act with the General Secretary of AKEL. Their aim is clear. The Turkish Cypriot people should clearly see this scenario. This is only a support office for youth and sports."

He further argued that in accordance to the "agreement", no project or investment which does not have the approval of the "TRNC" will be carried out.

"Since we shall be the ones giving the approval and since we shall be the ones carrying out the project at our own facilities, then we shall be having full authority and control. It could not be in any other way", he said.

Responding to a question regarding claims that the staff of the "youth coordination office" will be granted diplomatic immunity, Ozgurgun said that similar immunity had been granted to the EU Coordination Office.

"Those working in the coordination office will be able to benefit from diplomatic rights. The same rights were granted to staff working at the EU coordination office. Does that mean that those at the EU coordination office can do whatever they want?did we hand over any authority there? No. There is nothing to be concerned about at the youth and coordination office. More importantly we have signed this agreement with motherland Turkey?If there is something that we are not happy about we shall be amending it with an additional protocol", he added.

He also claimed that a similar atmosphere to that during the Annan Plan was attempted to be created with the recent protests.

Commenting on Akinci's decision to send the "law" on the "coordination office" to the "constitutional court", Ozgurgun said that Akinci had the right to seek the views of the "constitutional court".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (20.06.16) reported that Ozgurgun, commenting on the "citizenship" issue, described this matter a "humanitarian tragedy".

Supporting that there are a lot of "people" living in the "TRNC" who meet the conditions and have the right to be granted the "TRNC's citizenship", Ozgurgun described as tragic and distressing the fact that the "state" violates those people's rights.

On the Cyprus negotiation process, Ozgurgun accused the Greek Cypriot side for not showing the necessary goodwill for a solution to be found within 2016 and argued that the Greek Cypriot side considers the Turkish Cypriots as "minority" and exerts efforts in all fields including sports to put obstacles.

Accusing the Greek Cypriot side for turning the negotiation process into a theater stage, Ozgurgun claimed that even though their "president" participates in the negotiations with goodwill, the Greek Cypriot side, with its delaying tactics, plays with time.

(?)

(AK)

[05] SDP leader Tunali argues that they don't need the "coordination office"

Noting that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci sent this "agreement regarding the establishment and activities of an overseas coordination office of youth and sports ministry" to the "constitutional court" in order to investigate whether its "articles" are consistent or not with the "constitution", Tunali said that in case the decision is that its articles are inconsistent, then the "coalition government" should resign immediately.

(DPs)

[06] Illegal TAK news agency is accused of censoring the protest of "We Are Rejecting It" Platform

The chairman of TAK's "administrative council", Emin Akkor said that the above-mentioned developments happened without the "council" knowing them or approving them. Akkor noted that censorship as regards the protest took place upon pressures exerted by the "government" on the "agency's" director. The paper publishes also statements by three members of TAK's "administrative council", Ali Baturay, Aysu Basri Akter and Bekir Azgin, who stated that they oppose any kind of censorship. Baturay said that TAK should not be taken under pressure by using tactics of the 1980's and the 1990's.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (21.06.16) reports that the trade unions of the employees and the workers in the "public sector" (KAMU-SEN and KAMU-IS), the Journalists' Union and the trade union of press workers (Basin-Sen) held a protest yesterday outside the illegal news agency on the issue and the censorship implemented following pressures by the "government".

Moreover, addressing the regime's "assembly", Zeki Celer, "deputy" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP), asked the "deputy prime minister" Serdar Denktas to say why the protest of the Platform had been censored and whether he was authorized to give an instruction as regards the removal of the news item from the bulletin. Replying to Celer, Denktas said he had received a call from "prime minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun, who told him that a news item and a picture in TAK's bulletin urged for participation in the Platform's protest and asked him who was responsible for this. Denktas added: "After that I called TAK's director Mr Saygili and asked him who was responsible for this appeal. I found out from the director that the call had not come together with the news item and afterwards I asked for the removal of the appeal from the bulletin".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Statements by Akinci after meeting with Anastasiades

The meeting between the two men lasted for five hours.

Making a statement upon his return to the so-called presidential palace Mustafa Akinci said that the meeting had been very fruitful, detailed and result orientated. "There are still a few points but I think we have come to a point where we are about to reach an agreement and complete the Federal competences chapter. We have appointed our negotiators and in the coming days they will work further on this issue so that the next time we hold our meeting we can complete this subject", Akinci said.

He also underlined that they had previously decided to discuss the issue of property on Tuesday 21st of June, however, Akinci explained that as working on federal competences extended, they have to complete the chapter first before moving on to property.

(?)Upon being reminded of a statement made by President Anastasiades that revenues received from natural resources on the island could be used to finance an agreement, Akinci expressed the hope that many more natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will be found.

Supporting that it shouldn't be forgotten that all natural resources on the island belong to everyone, Akinci expressed hopes that it will be distributed equally and fairly.

"Of course it only makes sense that the revenues obtained from the natural resources are used to finance the solution, it would aid the solution process. That's why I think we should support this thought", said Akinci, adding that it should not be forgotten that the international community has also given the green light towards aiding in financing a solution on the island.

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily alleges that a proposal has been submitted in the Cyprus talks regarding the International Airport of Nicosia

The sources told the paper that the proposal also provides for the authority in the airport to belong to the federal government. They also said that some problems exist on the issue of the FIR, which is discussed within the framework of the governance and Power Sharing Chapter. The Turkish side wants more than one control tower on the island, while the Greek Cypriot side is in favor of only one control center.

(I/Ts.)

[09] The syllabus of the "Theological Hala Sultan College" was found to be illegal

The general secretary of KTOS Sener Elcil said that the "court ruling" shows that the decision of the "ministry of education to open this school was wrong, adding that it is a proof that the "TRNC government" took this decision under the influence of Ankara's government.

Elcil further said: "The religious education should be lifted from the schools. (?) This school should not be closed by turned into a college of a normal education system".

(DPs)

[10] Writing with sprays on historical walls in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

The paper publishes photos of writing with spays on the historical walls of occupied Famagusta and Nicosia, as well as on the occupied castle of Keryneia.

Dr Ege Uluca Tumer, restoration specialist, speaking to the paper, described these writing as vandalism. He added that in the whole world measures are being taken in order to prevent these attacks on the historical sites, but in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus no one takes it seriously.

(DPs)

[11] A new five-star hotel will be constructed in the occupied town of Keryneia

The paper also wrote: "The project is a joint venture by local developers Bastaslar insaat (constructions) and a hotelier from Turkey. Excavators were already on site yesterday to break ground-level concrete foundations in preparation for the 508-bed, 254-room project.

Developer Ahmet Bastas said: 'The project has just been approved by the 'antiquities and monuments council' and we are ready to demolish the existing buildings. Due to planning restrictions, we have come up with a unique design by award-winning Turkish architect Durmus Dilekci, which rises gradually from three to ten floors'."

The $40 million project includes a casino ? from a pre-existing license ? and it is expected to be finished within 18 months. The total construction area of 19,923m2 includes underground car parking on two levels for 194 cars. The hotel facilities will include a casino, spa, gym, restaurant, open and closed pools and conference rooms with 19 suites, 230 standard rooms and five rooms for the disabled.

[12] Erdogan condemns 'both sides' over Istanbul record store attack

"To intervene with force is as wrong as engaging in such an event that poured onto the streets during Ramadan. Both sides are wrong. Those who do not respect the sensibilities of their own nation and city and those who respond to this with an undemocratic reaction unfortunately overshadowed our hospitality with the brawl they started," Erdogan said.

"But I say clearly that those who want to distort this simple event to create a legend about 'an attack against those who do not fast' are malevolent and ill-minded," he added, speaking at an iftar dinner hosting artists at the Huber Palace in Istanbul's Tarabya district.

A group of 20 assailants carrying sticks and bottles attacked the Velvet IndieGround, beating up store owners and Radiohead fans that were at the listening party of the band's latest album, "A Moon Shaped Pool."

Fans were listening to music and drinking alcohol when a group of angry men burst into the store and assaulted them. One of the fans was injured after being hit with a bottle while the record store was also vandalized.

Radiohead issued a statement condemning the attack.

Three suspects were detained over the assault but all were released on June 19.

Meanwhile, police fired teargas and used water cannons to disperse around 300 protesters who gathered in Firuzaga Square in Istanbul's Cihangir neighborhood to protest the attack on June 18.

[13] Erdogan: The Turkish nation will call the EU to account for supporting terrorism

"I am calling on the EP from this meaningful gathering: Whom are you trying to give a message to with flags of terrorist organizations that you hung on the walls of the European Parliament?" Erdogan asked during an iftar dinner organized in Turkey.

Earlier this week, reports in Turkish media covering the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtas's discussions at the EP, were accompanied by photographs showing Demirtas walking in the corridors of the European Parliament passing by a flag of the YPG.

"The Turkish nation will call the relevant persons to account for their acts when the right time comes. MPs, acting as if they were militants of the terrorist organization, carrying terrorists and weapons in their vehicles and putting their means at the disposal of terrorists will be held accountable for their acts before the court. Files and summaries of proceedings have already started to be sent to courts," Erdogan said.

(?) Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government have long accused the HDP of being "a political front" for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and "aiding and supporting terrorism."

"They were challenging. They were calling for the removal of immunities. You have seen how they cried out with rage when the removal of immunities was put on the agenda, haven't you? Now they are touring the west," Erdogan said regarding tours by Demirtas and other HDP Deputies to raise awareness about human rights abuses allegedly committed by the state in Southeast Anatolia.

"The terrorist organization sets fire, destroys and vandalizes; and the state, on the other hand, builds, constructs and rehabilitates. The terrorist organization might be prevented from staging acts of terror if required precautions are implemented; however, if it cannot be ensured that the people of the region put distance between themselves and the terrorist organization, the terrorist organization resurges and regains strength," Erdogan added.

(?)

[14] Israel and Turkey are reportedly very close to a deal for the normalization of their ties

Delegations from both sides, headed by Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu and the Israeli Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Joseph Ciechanover, will meet on June 26 to declare that they have reached a deal to end the six-year-long conflict, according to high-level sources speaking on condition of anonymity.

The relationship between Turkey and Israel was severely strained after the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara vessel was raided by Israeli commandos in 2010, killing nine Turkish citizens and one Turkish-American citizen on board.

Sources said that after the declaration on June 26, the agreement would be finalized and signed in July by the Foreign Ministry Undersecretaries of both countries.

With the reciprocal reappointment of Ambassadors, diplomatic relations are expected to be normalized by the end of July.

If all this passes without a hitch, both countries' reservations regarding each other in international agreements will also be lifted. As a result, the last obstacles to joint military exercises, joint energy investments, and joint defense investments will also be removed.

(?)Sources said the two sides have met halfway on Turkey's last and most controversial condition ? the lifting of the embargo on Gaza. Accordingly, Israel has accepted the finalization of procedures for a hospital to be built to serve Gazans, and will not put forward any obstacles to Turkish supplies of medicine and personnel for the hospital.

Meanwhile, Turkey and Germany will jointly build an energy power plant in Gaza to supply the electricity demand in the region, while Turkey will also construct a sea water distillation plant.

All the aid from Turkey will be delivered to Gaza on condition that it is transferred from the Ashdod port.

The steps for normalization of ties come after Turkish Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m sent reconciliatory messages to Israel on June 17.

"We are coming to a point with Israel. They are also showing the will. There are contacts. It's not concluded yet but I don't think it will take long. The most important thing here is lifting the isolation of Gaza for humanitarian purposes," Y?ld?r?m had said.

[15] CHP's refugee report reveals widespread child abuse, child labor in Turkey

The age of many children forced into prostitution by gangs starts at 12 or 13, according to the report prepared under CHP Deputy Chair Veli Agababa and also printed in a book.

The project was initiated after the photo showing the body of Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian boy which was washed ashore in the Turkish resort of Bodrum on Sept. 2 last year, shaking the world.

Launching the report on June 20, Agbaba said it was the result of a 10-month study.

"The [Justice and Development Party] AKP's approach is not a contemporary one based on human rights. Refugees in our country face vast human rights abuses and are used as a bargaining tool for the AKP to reach its political goals," he added.

The report says that the state fails to prevent gangs in Turkey from exploiting the helplessness of Syrian women, while it quotes witnesses saying that Christian Syrians in Turkey are "in fear" due to the activities of some Islamist groups in the country.

Nearly 2.5 million refugees in Turkey live outside the official camps, the report stated.

"Families of 21, with 15 children, try to live on food assistance from neighbors, living in single-room houses with no bathroom or electricity. Babies die of cold, while young girls face sexual abuse in the name of so-called 'marriages' in exchange for house rent, or they are forced to become 'second ' or 'third' wives. All these things are being overlooked by the state," the report said.

Violence and xenophobia against refugees is also rising in Turkey, it added, also calculating that around half of the refugees in Turkey are under the age of 18.

It cited sources as saying that up to 5% of Syrian children in Turkey are forced to marry or sold as third or fourth wives.

The municipality of Seyhan, a district in the southern province of Adana, concluded in a recent study, also included in the CHP's report, that around 16% of refugee children in the district between the ages of 12 and 17 were "married." Some 40% of the girls in this category are pregnant, according to the report.

The CHP's inspectors also witnessed children as young as 5 working at textile manufacturers, a sector where child labor is widely abused.

Meanwhile, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) also issued a press statement to mark International Refugees Day, calling on Ankara to provide a permanent status to refugees - rather than seeing them as temporary guests - in order to fully undertake the state's legal responsibilities.

"The political authorities are today continuing an unethical and unlawful bargain with the European Union, violating international and human rights law, instead of taking steps to lift its reservations on items of international agreements," the HDP stated. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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