Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-19

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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's address for the 1974 Turkish invasion to Cyprus

[02] Burcu argues that the negative developments in Turkey will not influence the Cyprus talks

[03] Turkish Parliament's Deputy Speaker is representing the Turkish government for the Turkish invasion "celebrations"

[04] Security measures in Turkey harm tourism in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] A lieutenant general who was on holiday in the occupation regime during the coup night in Turkey has been surrendered upon his return to Turkey

[06] General Huduti who served in the occupied area of Cyprus has been arrested in Turkey over the military coup attempt

[07] Erdogan rejects claims of staging failed coup attempt

[08] Y?ld?r?m: Turkey submitted Gulen's extradition request to US

[09] Yildirim: 208 people martyred during coup attempt; 8,777 personnel were dismissed from their duties

[10] Turkish Foreign Minister rejects arrest lists claim

[11] Cavusoglu and Kerry to discuss Gulen case

[12] US Ambassador Bass dismisses coup support allegations

[13] Claims that the Turkish economy was unaffected by coup bid

[14] Columnist Semih Idiz comments on the attempted coup-d'etat

[15] MHP leader supports PM on reinstating capital punishment; HDP does not support the reintroduction of the death penalty

[16] Turkish National Security Council to convene on July 20

[17] BKP: "Erdogan foreknew about the military coup attempt"

[18] The "Solidarity" group: With the coup in Turkey time has come for discussing the system of guarantees in Cyprus

[19] The occupation regime encourages investments projects

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci's address for the 1974 Turkish invasion to Cyprus

In his address aired on "BRT" at noon today marking the beginning of the 20th of July "celebrations" for the 42nd anniversary from the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, Akinci started his speech by touching upon the coup attempt in Turkey. He said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" were relieved that the coup had not been successful as all past military coups had failed to make Turkey a better country.

Akinci pointed out that the path to development and improvement passes through democracy and that it is important for the Turkish Cypriots that Turkey progressed and developed as a state of law guided by the modern and democratic principles of Ataturk.

On the Cyprus problem, Akinci noted that efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus are continuing and that the Turkish Cypriot side remained committed to achieving the goal of reaching a settlement by the end of 2016. He warned that a failure to reach a settlement in 2016 and pushing the process into 2017 will bring with it new complications.

"The Greek Cypriot leaders have repeatedly voiced the fact that preparations for the next Presidential elections will begin as of March next year. This includes the change in the US administration, a new UN Secretary-General and especially the expected developments in the energy sector", he said.

Expressing his view that with the Cyprus settlement, opportunities to cooperate in the field of energy will increase, Akinci said that the transportation of any energy resources to Europe via Turkey will become a reality. "Within this context we shall be doing our part to reach a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement as well as implement various confidence building measures" he added.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot side had done all it could in terms of bringing to life confidence building measures (CBMs) such as the opening of the two crossing points in Lefka and Apl?ki, achieving mobile phone interoperability as well as the inter-connectivity of electricity grids between the two sides, Akinci said that they are waiting for the UNDP to complete the tender process for the crossing points.

He claimed that the Greek Cypriot side had cited legal obstacles for the implementation of mobile phone interoperability and that they are also waiting for the Greek Cypriot side to take steps in regard to the inter-connectivity of the electricity grids. He added that the implementation of CBMs while efforts to reach a settlement are continuing is important in terms of convincing and encouraging people on both sides towards a solution.

Referring to the reportedly recent attacks on Turkish Cypriots and their vehicles in "South Cyprus" (editor's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus), Akinci argued that the Greek Cypriot side's failure to bring those responsible to justice is harming the feeling of trust between the two sides.

"It is with no doubt that important duties fall on the joint education committee we set up, in establishing conditions where young generations who support peace can be raised", he said.

Also touching upon the recent forest fire in the Troodos Mountains, Akinci expressed disappointment over the failure of the two sides to cooperate. "The Greek Cypriot side's refusal to accept our assistance has only served to raise the level of mistrust between the communities. Reference to the fire may have been removed from the UN Secretary General's report but this does not change the reality of what happened", he noted. Akinci added that the Technical Committee on Crisis Management has an urgent and important duty of drawing up a framework as to how the two sides can act together in the face of such disasters without being hindered by any political obstacles.

"In light of all these developments, the Turkish Cypriot side is working hard to achieve a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement on the basis of the political equality of the two constituent states. We are working to create a new federal structure in which sovereignty will emanate equally from the two communities", he said.

"No doubt it is not easy to create such a structure which is mutually acceptable. We need to reach a settlement which not only safeguards the rights and interests of both sides but also is balanced.

Pointing out that the next few months will be crucial for efforts aimed at solving the Cyprus problem; Akinci expressed his belief that a settlement will be beneficial not only to the two sides but the entire region. He also said that despite ongoing efforts to reach a settlement, it is important that the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) is able to solve its own problems and stand on its own two feet. "The sooner and better prepared we become, the easier it will be to become equal partners in a new federal Cyprus", he concluded.

[02] Burcu argues that the negative developments in Turkey will not influence the Cyprus talks

Baris Burcu, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's spokesman, told Detay that "we will do our duty so that the negotiations to continue without delay and in a productive manner remaining committed to our target as if nothing has happened". Burcu said that he did not think that the negative developments experienced at this stage would influence the negotiating process.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkish Parliament's Deputy Speaker is representing the Turkish government for the Turkish invasion "celebrations"

Ceremonies will be held across the occupied area of Cyprus to mark 42 years since Turkish forces invaded to Cyprus

This year's "celebrations" have been toned down as a result of the coup attempt in Turkey over the weekend with all banquets, receptions and concerts being cancelled in respect for the loss of life.

The annual dawn vigil held at the occupied beach of Pente Mili where Turkish forces first landed in 1974 will start tonight at 11:30pm. Crowds gathered at the beach will wait until dawn in a symbolic event to mark the arrival of Turkish troops.

Delegations from Turkey and abroad have met with Akinci, self-styled assembly speaker Sibel Siber and self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun.

The military parade will start at 9:30am tomorrow to be followed by speeches by Akinci and the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mehmet Akif Hamzacebi who is representing the Turkish government at this year's "celebrations".

[04] Security measures in Turkey harm tourism in the occupied area of Cyprus

Mustafa Lakatamyali, self-styled undersecretary at the "foreign ministry", told the paper that there is no new adjustment regarding the regime's "citizens'" entering or exiting Turkey with their "identity card". He said that those who have "double citizenship" and wish to travel from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus using the breakaway regime's "identity card" could do so by obtaining from the Social Securities a document proving that they are not civil servants.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (19.07.16) reports that the coup attempt in Turkey dealt a blow to the breakaway regime's tourism and writes that within the security measures taken after the coup the Turkish citizens will not be able to enter into the occupied area of the island by showing their identity card. Pointing out that this measure will be valid for a period of time, the paper notes that Turkey on the one hand cancelled the leaves of the civil servants and banned their exit from the country and on the other brought the obligation of securing a "clean criminal record document" for the citizens. These measures taken in the mid of the tourism season are expected to harm "TRNC's" tourism, which is the closest and cheapest destination for Turkey, argues the paper and cites statements made by the "undersecretary" at the so-called ministry of tourism, Ismet Esenyel who said that the developments will influence their tourism very negatively.

(I/Ts.)

[05] A lieutenant general who was on holiday in the occupation regime during the coup night in Turkey has been surrendered upon his return to Turkey

As it was made known, Simsek was in the occupied area of Cyprus for holidays. Simsek served as garrison commander of the 3d brigade education of the Gendarmerie in the Turkish city of Zonguldak. Simsek has been surrender as soon as he return to Turkey, writes the paper.

(AK)

[06] General Huduti who served in the occupied area of Cyprus has been arrested in Turkey over the military coup attempt

According to the paper, the Commander of the 2nd Army, General Adem Huduti, who previously served in the so-called Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces Command (KTBK) in the occupied area of Cyprus, has been also arrested after a court order.

(AK)

[07] Erdogan rejects claims of staging failed coup attempt

"Tayyip Erdogan and his friends, his colleagues would be the first ones to reject that kind of idea. We risk our lives for the people," he added.

Erdogan said those who tried to overthrow the government triggered the idea. "This Fetullah terrorist organization has now received the biggest hit they have ever," he said.

Erdogan said he has raised the issue of Gulen's extradition with the US President. "I had previously made this request to [Barack] Obama, just orally," Erdogan said. "But, this week our written formal request will also be conveyed to the U.S. and also to a number of Western countries and African countries. We will be sending those requests formally."

Asked about the possibility that Washington would refuse to extradite Gulen, Erdogan's response suggests a similar stance going forward so long as he is the leader of Turkey. "First, we have to submit our formal request. We will ask for extradition. If there is no positive response to that formal request, if there is ever anyone criminal in the eyes of the US and if they are going to ask for their extradition, as the President of the country I will not allow that," he said.

Regardless of who the US requested Turkey hand over, Ankara has complied, Erdogan said, adding that because there is a mutual agreement for extraditing criminals, there should be reciprocity. "Even if he [Gulen] is a citizen of the US, the US should not keep such a terrorist," Erdogan said.

At pro-government rallies in Turkey this weekend following the failed coup, demands were made for the restoration of capital punishment for coup plotters whose actions caused the loss of 208 lives and injured almost 1,500 others. "This issue now can be taken to the agenda of the Parliament and it can be discussed there. We previously abolished it, but we can always go back and re-introduce it," Erdogan said.

"There is a clear crime of treason. Your request [Turkish people] can never be ignored by our government. But the leaders have to come together and discuss it. If they accept to discuss it, then as the President I will approve any decision that comes out of the Parliament. ?

Erdogan said that he was with his wife, son-in-law and grandchildren on vacation in Marmaris, southwest of Turkey when the attempted coup occurred.

"I was informed that in Istanbul and Ankara and some other places there was some kind of movement that was going on. We decided to move out", he said. "There is also the operation in Marmaris against me and two of my close bodyguards were martyred, they were killed. If I stayed 10 or 15 more minutes there, I would have been killed or captured."

From the time he landed at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, F-16 jets began flying above his plane, Erdogan said.

Asked if at that moment he thought he was no longer the President of Turkey, Erdogan said that it was never a consideration. "It did not cross my mind because I was with my colleagues and we never had that concern, never had trouble in thoughts."

Turkey has come under criticism for what some perceive as a crackdown on the free press there. Erdogan posed a question to those who voice those claims.

"If some people keep saying that press is not still free in Turkey, then I want to say this. There has been a coup attempt in Turkey. There are people siding with the coup plotters. There are also media outlets that have been against the coup attempt," he said.

"So, my question is that against the media that supported the coup, will the Turkish justice judicial system not take any steps? Of course it will. Why? Because if you are going to suppress the attempt, then those who are citing with the attempt should be taken to the right place, exposed to right type of treatment because otherwise the citizens, the people, would be deceived via misinformation", he added.

"The people itself brought me to this position if I do not do anything they will hold me accountable when the time comes".

[08] Y?ld?r?m: Turkey submitted Gulen's extradition request to US

Y?ld?r?m said that Turkey submitted the file to officially request Fethullah Gulen's extradition from the United States, while he underscored that Turkey knows who the perpetrators are behind the July 15 coup attempt.

Speaking at his party's parliamentary group meeting for the first time since the failed coup attempt, Y?ld?r?m said that when terrorists attacked the U.S. on 9/11, there was no proof to request terrorists, and urged the U.S. to return Gulen.

"Do not protect this traitor any more, for this has no benefit for you, humanity nor Islam", he added.

He also underscored that Turkey has concrete proof showing Gulen's crimes.

Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of leading the Gulenist Terror Organization (FETO) currently, resides in Pennsylvania, United States. His followers are already standing trial in separate cases, but Gulen, 75, refuses to testify in Turkish courts or return to Turkey. The fugitive imam also faces lawsuits brought by Ankara in the United States after Turkey hired a law firm for the legal process in that country.

[09] Yildirim: 208 people martyred during coup attempt; 8,777 personnel were dismissed from their duties

"There are 208 people who have been unfortunately martyred in this coup attempt: 60 of them police officers, three of them soldiers and 145 civilians are our hero martyrs," he said. Yildirim added that 7,543 people have been arrested over alleged ties to the failed putsch. "The numbers can change", he said. "A hundred of them are police officers, 6,038 of them are soldiers of different ranks, 755 judges and prosecutors, and 650 civilians."

Yildirim also addressed the issue of the possibility of the death penalty for coup participants. "Although we are a state of law, we do politics for our citizens,"

"The demand of our citizens is an order for us", said the Prime Minister on Monday. "However, it is not right to take a hurried decision with this level of heatedness and excitement. But, we cannot ignore this demand from our citizens".

Yildirim said that the imposition of the death penalty requires a change of the Turkish Constitution.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 18.07.16) reported that Yildirim has said that the Turkish nation is going through a trauma in the aftermath of the unprecedented coup attempt and vowed once again that the perpetrators will pay heavily for their unlawful actions.

"Whether in the army or in the air force, all necessary measures are being taken. We have no doubts here. We are of course experiencing a big trauma as a nation ? That is normal," said Y?ld?r?m after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister also thanked the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), as well as media outlets and NGOs, for their firm stance against the failed coup attempt.

"There are lots of institutions that we should thank. The CHP, MHP and HDP executives who got in contact with us said there must be no party calculations [in such a serious issue], they stood against this shameful attempt against the people and they were ready to give all kind of support to the government. We thank their respective chairmen," said Y?ld?r?m.

Meanwhile, Y?ld?r?m compared the coup attempt with the Sept 12, 1980 military coup, while recalling that there was an important difference between the two.

"Those who perpetrated the Sept. 12 coup did not bomb the citizens, did not open fire on them, and did not fire bombs at police stations, the parliament and the presidency," he said.

He likened these actions on July 15 to incidents in Syria, as Bashar al-Assad's army targeted its own people, while underlining that the entire Turkish army cannot be held responsible.

"We should distinguish the right from the wrong. Let's deal with those who commit wrongs, but on the other hand let's protect the credibility of our institutions. Because these institutions are our future", Y?ld?r?m stressed.

He also called on all citizens to stand united and leave aside their differences.

Meanwhile, more than 8,000 officials have been suspended in Turkey after a failed coup attempt late Friday, according to the country's interior ministry on Monday.

A total of 8,777 personnel were dismissed from their duties, including 30 governors, 52 civil inspectors, and 16 legal advisers, the Interior Ministry said. More than 6,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with Friday's coup attempt, including military figures and judges. They are accused of having links to U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, who is said to have pursued a long-running campaign against the government through supporters within the Turkish state.

[10] Turkish Foreign Minister rejects arrest lists claim

Speaking in Brussels on Monday, the EU's Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn was quoted as saying: "It looks at least as if something has been prepared. The lists are available, which indicates it was prepared and to be used at a certain stage."

He was speaking after the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15 which claimed more than 200 lives and injured thousands. More than 6,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with the plot, including military figures and judges.

Cavusoglu later tweeted that Hahn "is far from thoroughly comprehending what is going on in Turkey". He added that Turkey's "primary expectation" from its European allies was their "support [for] the democratic process in Turkey and strong condemnation of the coup attempt".

"Turkey will never compromise on human rights, the rule of law and democracy", Cavusoglu said, adding: "Therefore, no one, including Mr Hahn, can prejudge the ongoing legal process regarding the bloody coup attempt in Turkey."

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic also strongly rejected the claims, describing them as "prejudiced". "We strongly condemn and reject implications that arbitrary treatment could be performed against political opponents and violations of the rule of law [?] about a terror organization which fired on our citizens, attacked the Turkish Parliament and other state institutions with the Turkish people's tanks, airplanes and other heavy weapons", Bilgic said.

[11] Cavusoglu and Kerry to discuss Gulen case

The face-to-face talk between Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to take place on the side-lines of an international meeting on the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on July 20 and 21. Along with Cavusoglu and Kerry, the Foreign Ministers of some of the other anti-ISIL coalition countries will also be present in Washington.

The Foreign Ministers will discuss the current situation in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria and the next steps in efforts to degrade and defeat the jihadists. However, the meeting will also be an important opportunity for the Turkish Foreign Minister to exchange views on developments in Turkey in the aftermath of the failed coup attempt. Cavusoglu is expected to inform his counterparts on the coup attempt and its perpetrators during his bilateral meetings with the participant countries. The meetings will come after the EU and European countries urged Turkey to stay within the boundaries of law while investigating the mutiny.

In this context, Cavusoglu's meeting with host Kerry will be an important one, especially with regards to the ongoing quarrel over the role of Gulen and his organization in staging the coup attempt on July 15. Turkish leadership has become more vocal in its demand from the U.S. for the extradition of Gulen, who has been living in Pennsylvania since 1999.

The two diplomats held a phone conversation over the weekend to exchange views on the situation in Turkey, during which Kerry urged his counterpart about public remarks by officials who claimed the U.S. was behind the coup attempt.

[12] US Ambassador Bass dismisses coup support allegations

"With regard to the question of possible involvement in the coup attempt by persons residing in the United States ? we have been clear that the United States would be willing to provide assistance to Turkish authorities conducting their investigation into the coup attempt. If Turkey decides to submit an extradition request for anyone legally resident in the United States, it will be considered under the terms of the U.S.-Turkey extradition agreement," Bass said in a written statement on July 18.

"To that end, U.S. government officials in the U.S. and in Turkey, including representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice, are prepared to work with their counterparts and to discuss what will be required to meet the legal and evidentiary standards set by our bilateral extradition treaty. I underscore that our extradition treaty and U.S. laws have specific requirements that must be met before a suspect individual can be transferred to another nation's jurisdiction," he added.

Bass also stressed that the coup attempt was "deeply disturbing" for everyone. "We join our Turkish friends in mourning the tragic loss of life caused by attempts to violently overthrow Turkey's democratically-elected government. Coups have no place in a modern democratic society. I applaud the Turkish nation's resolve against this violent intervention and their support for democratic institutions", he said.

The Ambassador recalled that the highest levels of the US government had categorically expressed a strong position as Turkey's ally in the early hours of the coup attempt, with President Barack Obama one of the first leaders urging support for the democratically-elected government.

"Some news reports ? and, unfortunately, some public figures ? have speculated that the United States in some way supported the coup attempt. This is categorically untrue and such speculation is harmful to the decades-long friendship between two great nations," Bass said.

The Ambassador also draw attention to the fact that some pro-Gulen social media users were trying to "hurt Turkish-American relations" by attributing false statements on him. "I am aware that false words, attributed to me, are currently being circulated on social media, largely by users who appear to be sympathetic to Fethullah Gulen, suggesting a lack of respect for Turkey's democratically elected government. That purported statement is an absolute fabrication that appears designed to heighten tension between the United States and Turkey and undermine Turkey's security", he stressed.

Bass reiterated that ties between Turkey and U.S. are close and strong, and "rejected the narrative that suggests that the United States is trying to undermine Turkish security and prevent Turkey from being a strong, successful country."

"Our alliance shows that we have continually invested in Turkey, in its security and its prosperity, and that we remain committed to helping everyone in this country realize a future in which Turkey and the Turkish people are strong and prosperous," he said.

[13] Claims that the Turkish economy was unaffected by coup bid

Speaking ahead of the markets opening to Bloomberg television, Simsek, who has special responsibility for economic matters in Turkey, claimed: "The Turkish economy will be one of the fastest-growing economies among OECD countries in 2016. It is clear that the coup attempt to have a limited impact on the Turkish economy."

GDP increased by 4.8% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year, making Turkey one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development members.

Simsek said that Turkey will continue economic reforms and that macroeconomic fundamentals remained strong.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci agreed the economic foundation was "solid". He tweeted: "Despite all undemocratic attempts, our economy will continue to function flawlessly". He shared statistics showing Turkish exports rose 3.3% in the first five months of the year.

The Central Bank said Sunday that it would cut commission on daily liquidity options for banks to zero and provide unlimited liquidity to maintain the financial markets following Friday's coup attempt.

It also said that it will increase the daily foreign exchange auction limit from $50 million if necessary.

[14] Columnist Semih Idiz comments on the attempted coup-d'etat

"Having lived through the other ones, I never thought I would see another coup in Turkey. The events of Friday night do not belie this expectation. Unlike the majority of past attempts, this one failed. Anyone who plans another coup will have to factor in what happened on the night of July 15.

A coup which pits the military against the people does not have a chance of success in Turkey. The madness of this attempt shows how desperate people can resort to desperate measures, including bombing the Parliament.

Another such attempt is more likely to turn into a civil war than the clinical military takeover which some no doubt have been hoping for. This is where the wisdom - or lack of it - of the current leadership will be determining.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged, so far, not as the President of the people, but as the leader of a certain segment of society. Many believe he has put the interests of the republic aside in favour of the ideological interests of his Islamist party.

This is what lies at the root of much of the social tension we have. It will be hard for Turkey to return to even a semblance of normality if he can't make himself the President of the whole nation.

Erdogan is uttering grand pronouncements about democracy now. Democracy, however, is not what he says it is, based on his majoritarian outlook, which stands opposed to the notion of pluralism. There are, therefore, major lessons for Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in this failed coup attempt.

Contrary to the climate of fear and suspicion stoked by Erdogan and the AKP, the assumption that 'White Turks' would immediately support the military in a coup fell flat on its face. The term "White Turk" refers to Western-oriented secularists in this country who are hated by Erdogan's supporters.

Turks of all shades showed, however, that the worst democracy is still better than military rule. How Erdogan and the AKP evaluate this once the dust settles will be crucial.

A second lesson for Erdogan and the AKP concerns the vital importance of a free media. It was almost divine justice that it should have been the Dogan Group, and especially its CNN Turk channel, that came to their rescue. The group has been an object of hatred for Erdogan supporters, who have even accused it in the past of supporting Fethullah Gulen, the alleged organizer of this coup attempt.

The organizers of this coup attempt made the fatal mistake of taking over the insignificant state-owned TRT channel to read out their proclamation. Erdogan did not make the same mistake. Instead of turning to the pro-government media which slavishly supports him, he opted to speak to media organs that matter in Turkey. CNN Turk was there to accommodate him in the name of democracy, and was even raided by rebellious soldiers for this support.

Erdogan also has to bite the bullet and be grateful to the opposition he hates so much for standing firm against the coup attempt. The opposition was out to save Turkey's democracy, but it saved the AKP too. This coup attempt is ultimately the product of the chaos Turkey has been allowed to drift into. Who is responsible for this chaos will now be much debated. This being Turkey, the debate has a high chance of being destructive rather than constructive.

Erdogan's position in this debate will also be determining in terms of domestic peace and stability. If he can't win over his instinct for vengeance it could easily come to what the Independent's Robert Fisk, who rarely has anything good to say about Turkey, is predicting.

In his piece on the topic, Fisk referred to 'the coup-that-wasn't' and concluded by saying: 'Stand by for another one in the months or years to come'. No doubt there are Turks who share Fisk's sentiment, which appears to smack of hopeful anticipation. All eyes, therefore, are fixed on Erdogan now, after this 'coup-that-wasn't'. How he rises to the occasion will be vitally important for Turkey."

[15] MHP leader supports PM on reinstating capital punishment; HDP does not support the reintroduction of the death penalty

"The demand for capital punishment is being discussed a lot. If the AKP [ruling Justice and Development Party] is ready, we are in as well. We would also consider giving this punishment and do whatever necessary", said Bahceli during his party's weekly parliamentary group meeting on July 19.

The debate on reinstating capital punishment was heated up amid demands from angry crowds during anti-coup attempt protests in Turkey. Prime Minister Y?ld?r?m has stressed the importance of a "calm discussion" and Ankara's European partners have expressed their concerns about such a step.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Milliyet newspaper (19.07.16) reports that the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) spokesman Ayhan Bilgen said that they will not support any proposal put to Parliament on the reintroduction of the death penalty following a failed coup attempt.

"No, we will not support it," Bilgen said, adding that in any case new laws could not be applied retroactively and that it was the responsibility of politicians to communicate this to the people.

[16] Turkish National Security Council to convene on July 20

"Our government is in an important preparation and hopefully we will convene the National Security Council on Wednesday", he told a crowd gathered outside his Istanbul residence.

Following the meetings, the Council of Ministers will gather and "announce an important decision", he said. "I will not tell you now," he added. "We will hopefully overcome this process one way or another. Now, efforts are going on in a very good way," he said.

[17] BKP: "Erdogan foreknew about the military coup attempt"

Describing the military coup attempt as unacceptable, Izcan said that the failure of the coup attempt which threatened very seriously Turkey's stability has pleased them. He added also the following: "Apparently, Erdogan and he AKP government foreknew about the military coup attempt and thus they have taken the necessary measures in advance. The massive detentions and the massive cleaning which is taking place in Turkey today by the AKP government is an effort to implement Sunni Islam and a repressive regime".

Pointing out that there is a problem of democracy in Turkey which did not appeared suddenly, Izcan argued that the only remedy is the unification of the democratic opposition parties which support the sovereignty of the people in order to be rescued from the dictatorship of the palace in Turkey.

"BKP will continue to stand by the side of the Turkish people", Izcan said, expressing their deep sorrow over the situation in Turkey.

(AK)

[18] The "Solidarity" group: With the coup in Turkey time has come for discussing the system of guarantees in Cyprus

The group points out that the tragedy in Turkey showed that the Turkish army has the ability to take steps which could not be controlled even in its own country where the civilian government is strong. According to the statement, from this point of view one needs to question whether the military guarantees could really provide security and tranquillity.

(I/Ts.)

[19] The occupation regime encourages investments projects

According to the paper, with these projects, it is envisaged that fixed capital investments of 658,6 million TL will be made in the sectors of economy, industry, tourism and education.

According to the "undersecretary" of the "DPO organization", during the same period of 2014, "incentive certificates" were given for 9 projects while during the same period of 2015 for 30 projects.

(AK) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs/ AM)

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