Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-21

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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] Akinci calls on President Anastasiades to decide whether he will lead his community for a solution in Cyprus or he will become a candidate in 2018 presidential elections

[02] Turkes argues that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus within the framework of the current UN parameters

[03] Kilicdaroglu's contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Akinci, Ozgurgun, Sibel, Talat and Eroglu

[04] Messages by Yildirim and Kahraman on the 42nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

[05] A three-month state of emergency declared in Turkey

[06] US Ambassador: Gulen's case to be a 'very high priority'

[07] Top Turkish commander's aide admits allegiance to Gulenists

[08] 'Graveyard for traitors' to be built in Istanbul for coup plotters

[09] Three Turkish Cypriot students continue to be under custody in Turkey over the military coup attempt

[10] Ozgurgun confirmed claims that FETO organization has been expanded in the occupation regime; More reports about the issue continue

[11] The population of occupied Morphou is reportedly decreasing

[12] The "Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association" calls to give incentives to European tourists coming from Larnaka airport

[13] Columnist: The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus; 42 years after 20 July 1974 invasion the status quo is outside the international law

[14] Turkish lira hits new record low; Erdogan's reaction to S&P downgrade

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci calls on President Anastasiades to decide whether he will lead his community for a solution in Cyprus or he will become a candidate in 2018 presidential elections

"If there is no physical obstacle, if the place at which the service will be held is not in a military zone, the possible flexibility should be shown for religious services and permit should be given", he added.

Referring to the negotiations, Akinci said that for the first time the two leaders agreed that a solution should be reached in 2016 and added: "We have difficulties. There are still the issues of territory, security and the guarantees which we have not discussed at all yet, but we have taken important steps in the other four chapters regarding the economy, the EU, the property and the governance and power sharing. Perhaps not everything will end in 2016 with all its details, but the general framework of the solution will come up. If this general framework is drawn in 2016, the details may remain for the first months of 2017, but we will see where we are heading to, this solution will be materialized and its details could also be settled".

Arguing that the campaign for the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus will start in 2017, Akinci alleged that conducting solution negotiations in this environment is difficult and claimed: "I think that Mr Anastasiades should take a decision. Either he will lead his community for a solution or he will consider enough for himself to become a candidate in 2018".

Akinci noted that in 2017 some international companies will resume their drillings for natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean and argued that it is evident that this will cause new tensions.

Replying to questions regarding the course of the negotiations, Akinci said that as of the second half of August they will enter into a new stage. He noted that the leaders have started discussing the issues in detail like the negotiators had been doing and added that "there are some aspects which go well, some which are delayed and some on which more wok should be done".

Underlying the importance of not spoiling their agreements as regards some points on which they reached consensus, Akinci said that they are experiencing problems in this direction.

According to Akinci, with their meeting of the 29th of July they will walk through all issues, but the guarantees and the security will be discussed at a five-party conference. He argued that on the territory issue they have agreed that they would not discuss maps, names of places and percentages. He alleged that this issue should be discussed in a "prompt environment" in a manner which will not cause any speculations.

Referring to the confidence building measures (CBM), Akinci recalled that a year ago the leaders had been committed on the interconnection of the electricity networks and the use of cell phones in the entire island and argued that not solving these issues yet is not "wise". He said that the applications regarding the tenders for the Lefka and Deryneia crossing points have ended and after their evaluation, the constructions of the roads will begin.

Replying to a question, Akinci said he is against the implementation of the death penalty and expressed the view that bringing the issue on the agenda in Turkey is not right.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkes argues that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus within the framework of the current UN parameters

Under the title "Quiet ceremony", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (21.07.16) reports that during his address at the ceremony, Tugrul Turkes, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, alleged that "the ongoing negotiating process is the last chance for a solution within the framework of the current UN parameters". "Not solving the Cyprus problem and entering into an endless circle without a time perspective is in no one's benefit", he argued and reiterated the Turkish allegation that Turkey had not invaded Cyprus for annexing the island or aiming at achieving a "great ideal", but used its "legitimate rights" for protecting the Turkish Cypriots.

"The Turks of Cyprus are exerting every effort for living in equality and peace in this island", he argued adding that "it is nothing but daydreaming to hope that the Turks of Cyprus will abandon their equal status and equal partnership and that they could accept to live as a minority".

Turkes argued that Turkey continues to expect a lasting, comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem in 2016 and noted that the two leaders' expressing their determination to reach a solution in 2016 is important.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (21.07.16), in his address prior to the parade, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said that by the end of July the leaders will hold three meetings during which their aim is to reduce the points of disagreement and, if possible, to turn 2016 into a year of the solution.

Akinci warned that in case we enter into 2017 without a solution there could be new problems. He said that the campaign for the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus will begin and alleged "the planned initiatives in the direction of carrying out drillings for natural gas in the beginning of 2017 will be tantamount to triggering new tensions in an environment where we achieved no solution".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Kilicdaroglu's contacts in the occupied area of Cyprus; He met with Akinci, Ozgurgun, Sibel, Talat and Eroglu

During the meeting with Akinci which took place at the so-called presidential palace, Kilicdaroglu expressed his happiness over visiting Akinci for the first time at the "presidential palace".

Referring to Cyprus negotiation process, Kilicdaroglu said that Akinci has undertaken an important task after assuming his post.

Arguing that their biggest wish is for Cyprus to become an island of peace, Kilicdaroglu said that if peace is achieved, this would contribute not only to the changing of the atmosphere between Turkey and Greece but also for the whole region.

In his turn, Akinci stated, inter alia, that a solution to the Cyprus problem is possible to open the gate for new regional cooperation and added that the rich underground resources and the energy resources could trigger peace and not war this time.

Sibel stated in her turn that it is very important for the Turkish Cypriots for measures to be taken this time in order not to experience the same pain they felt in the past.

Also, Ozgurgun referred, inter alia, to the strong ties that exist between Turkey and the "TRNC" and added that the negative developments in Turkey caused deep sorrow to the Turkish Cypriots.

Supporting that the water transferred from Turkey is an indicator of their strong ties with Turkey, Ozgurgun claimed that in a possible solution, the water could be transferred also to "south Cyprus" and become the "water of peace".

Further claiming that the Turkish Cypriots have continuously show goodwill for the solution, he alleged that the responsibility for the non-solution belongs to the Greek Cypriot side. "The Turkish Cypriot people had proven that they are in favour of the solution. However, if no solution is found, the Turkish Cypriot people will continue strong their path together with Turkey", Ozgurgun added.

(?)

(AK)

[04] Messages by Yildirim and Kahraman on the 42nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

In his message, Yildirim argued also that the Turkish Cypriots, who continue their struggle for years, displayed to the international community that they will never make concessions on their "national cause", that they will continue to protect their freedom and "independence", they will never abandon their "legitimate rights" and\ will never give in to the pressures.

Also, in his message on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Ismail Kahraman, said that the "20th of July Peace and Freedom Day", has brought peace and welfare in the island of Cyprus.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation process, Kahraman claimed that their biggest wish is the current negotiation process to contribute so that the two "people" and the two "states" in the island to solve their differences in order to be able to reach to a right and legal compliance result which will institutionalize the viable peace. Kahraman also assured that Turkey will continue to provide all kinds of support for the Cyprus negotiation process to yield a positive result.

(AK)

[05] A three-month state of emergency declared in Turkey

Speaking at presidential complex after back-to-back National Security Council and Cabinet meetings ? the first since the coup ? Erdogan said that the three-month state of emergency was being declared under Article 120 of the Turkish Constitution.

Under Article 120, in the event of serious indications of widespread acts of violence aimed at the destruction of the free democratic order, a state of emergency may be declared in one or more regions or throughout the country for a period not exceeding six months.

"The purpose of the state of emergency is to most effectively and swiftly take steps necessary to eliminate the threat to democracy in our country, the rule of law, and the rights and freedom of our citizens," Erdogan said.

The President said that the move aimed at 'eliminating coup-plotter terrorist group' in reference to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which is led by followers of US-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

After declaring the nationwide three-month state of emergency, Erdogan later addressed people assembled in public squares across the country via video conferencing. He explained that the state of emergency is not martial law, adding, "This is a movement to clear terror members from state institutions to process democracy better".

"The state of emergency law is a process of empowering governors more. The Turkish Armed Forces will serve the governors in provinces, and work with them. There is no any limitation on fundamental rights and freedoms during the state of emergency. We are the guarantors of it," he added.

On his official Twitter social account, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: "This [state of emergency] decision is not for the daily life of our people, but rather is for the proper and swift functioning of state mechanisms". Yildirim also reiterated his call to citizens to not leave the streets.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara: "The conditions of the state of emergency will only be used for fighting the parallel structure".

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on his Twitter account, "The state of emergency is definitely not against democracy, the law, or freedoms, but it is aimed at protecting and reinforcing these values."

Separately, Interior Minister Efkan Ala spoke to Anadolu Agency, saying that the decision would not cause any negative effects in the lives of Turkey's citizens. "No one needs to worry about it," he said.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 21.07.16) reports that according to the law, a state of emergency can be declared by the cabinet, led by the President, after taking the National Security Council's (MGK) opinion into consideration. It can be applicable in specific parts of the country or throughout the country for up to six months.

The law enables state of emergency exercises in situations of natural disasters, epidemics or intense economic depression, as well as at times when the country faces threats to its constitutionally-protected free and democratic order and indicators of violent acts targeting basic rights and freedoms. It can also be put into force when public order is seriously disrupted by violent incidents.

According to the law, Ministries will be tasked with coordinating the state of emergency, while there will be a coordination commission and there also may be state of emergency councils. Governors will also play a more effective role during this period in terms of both security and local governments.

During a state of emergency, detention periods can be extended beyond 48 hours, which is the maximum amount of detention time before suspects can be tried by a court under normal constitutional procedures.

The state of emergency will also allow authorities to impose limited or full curfews, as well as prevent people from gathering or traveling at certain times or in certain places. Body, vehicle and property searches and the seizure of potential evidence will be authorized as well. People will also be asked to carry their IDs with them everywhere.

The authorities will also be able to ban the pressing, publishing, distributing and replicating of certain newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, books and leaflets, as well as seize such publications that were banned previously. Controlling, recording, and banning certain speeches, scripts, pictures, films, records, theatres and films, as well as audio and image records and all audio-related broadcasts, will also be possible.

The practice will limit certain individuals' or groups' entrance to certain places and will permit removing them from certain places. Public gatherings and meetings, marches and parades can be banned or postponed by the authorities. The operations of associations can also be stopped without exceeding three months.

The Parliament will be tasked with discussing and finalizing the state of emergency decree laws within 30 days and it has the authority to reject or approve it with or without making amendments. If the Parliament rejects a state of emergency decree law, it will be dismantled. All approvals, amended approvals and rejections will be made not by parliamentary decisions but through law.

The practice also allows law enforcement officers to shoot individuals who violate surrender orders or attempt to exchange fire, or in self-defence situations. Probes regarding such cases will also be carried out without suspects being arrested.

The last state of emergency was declared in Turkey in July 1987 in a number of the country's south-eastern provinces and lasted until November 2002.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 21.07.16) reports that Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday that the government's declaration of three-month state of emergency will not affect the general public, and that the economy will work within market rules. Simsek added that despite concerns, the state of emergency will strengthen Turkey's democracy and economy.

Simsek also said that the credit rating agency S&P's decision to lower Turkey's credit rating was a mistake and that it was a rushed decision. Deputy PM also added that the Turkish treasury does not work with S&P.

Meanwhile, the deputy PM also called on the opposition parties to cooperate with the government to minimize economic risks.

[06] US Ambassador: Gulen's case to be a 'very high priority'

"It will depend on the scope and quality of evidence that is provided and how compelling that is. But I can assure you that we are committed to reviewing quickly as soon as we receive materials. It will be a very high priority for the US Department of Justice", Bass told a group of reporters before a July 4th reception at the U.S. consulate general in Istanbul, commenting on how long it might take U.S. officials to review the documents.

Turkey accuses U.S-based Gulen of being behind the coup attempt and has demanded that he be extradited to face trial. Materials related to the extradition of the cleric, who lives in self-imposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, have been submitted to U.S. authorities.

Bass declined to comment on the future of Turco-American relations if Washington does not hand Gulen back to Ankara. "The United States government is focused on what we can do together between two countries to help Turkey pursue this investigation", he stressed.

Bass also raised concerns about Ankara's steps to dismiss tens of thousands of public employees in the military, police, education sector, and civil service. "We see mass arrest or detentions and mass firings of people from positions of employment in a very rapid period [of] time without a lot of evidence having been presented for those actions, that creates concerns," he said.

On how the thwarted coup affected operations against Daesh from Incirlik Air Base in Adana, southBass said that there is still no electricity at the base. He said the Turkish government cut electricity at all air bases in response to the coup attempt. "The longer it continues, the more impact it will have on operations, which is not to benefit either Turkey or the United States or the other countries that are threatened by Daesh terrorism", he said.

[07] Top Turkish commander's aide admits allegiance to Gulenists

Turkkan pleaded guilty to bugging former Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Ozel with a listening device. "We used to listen to Necdet Ozel Pasha with a bug all the time. A 'brother' working at Turk Telekom provided the device.

Turkan was working as a deputy aide for Ozel between 2011 and 2015 and then promoted to the aide position.

"I sincerely regret not only participating in the coup, but also being a part of the Gulen movement. I have responsibility for these events but I'm not a traitor. I didn't shoot at the police or civilians and I would never do that," Turkkan said.

[08] 'Graveyard for traitors' to be built in Istanbul for coup plotters

"I ordered a space to be saved and to call it 'the graveyard for traitors'. The passers-by will curse the ones buried there. 'Everyone visiting the place will curse them and they won't be able to rest in their graves'", Topbas told a group of coup protesters gathered in Istanbul's Taksim Square late on July 19, while adding that the Mayor of the Black Sea province of Ordu had refused to provide a burial place for the coup plotters.

"The Mayor of Ordu didn't provide a spot for their dead bodies. A family took a dead body and buried it in their garden. I congratulate the Mayor", he also said.

Saying that the cemetery of the nameless was not a suitable place for the coup plotters to be buried as it included religious people, Topbas noted that the plotters "won't be saved from hell".

[09] Three Turkish Cypriot students continue to be under custody in Turkey over the military coup attempt

According to the paper, even though the other 22 students of the military high school who were also present during the night of the military coup attempt at the Bosporus bridge were released, the Turkish Cypriots are still under custody.

The paper points out that Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's attempts from the first day of the incident yielded no result. Neither the attempts of the "TRNC consulate" in Istanbul.

(AK)

[10] Ozgurgun confirmed claims that FETO organization has been expanded in the occupation regime; More reports about the issue continue

Also, writing in his daily column in the same newspaper, columnist Sener Levent supports that the pure operations launched in Turkey after the military coup attempt, are expected to be expanded also in the "TRNC".

Levent argues that the pure operation in the "TRNC" will take place not only in the army, but also inside the "police", the "universities", the "religious affairs department" and the "public sector".

"Are we inseparable? Whatever happens in the military will happen also here. The FETO supporters are arrested in Turkey and the same thing will take place here. At the universities?pure operation in the religious affairs department?the police and like in Turkey, at the state organizations. And perhaps some TV channels will close? and perhaps journalists will be also arrested here. They speak about Fethullah Gulen today that is FETO in short. And all these under Erdogan's instructions", Levent, inter alia, writes.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (21.07.16) reports that the Aid Foundations of Health and Education Services which belong to the Koza-Ipek Group in Turkey, known for his close links with Fethullah Gulen's community, has transferred the amount of 4 billion dollars to some accounts in the "TRNC".

The issue came into light on September 1st, when the Ankara Prosecutor Office ordered Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) to carry out investigations at the house of Akin Ipek, chairman and owner of Koza Ipek Holding in Turkey. As a result of the investigations, the MASAK found out that the Koza Ipek group has transferred money to accounts in Bahrain, Malta and the "TRNC".

Also, according to information acquired by the paper, many businessmen in the "TRNC" in several sectors such as the casinos, the education, the media, the construction sector and the financial organizations have close links with the terrorist organization FETO.

Meanwhile, an Imam who was living in the "TRNC" with close ties with the FETO organization left from the occupied area of Cyprus right after the military coup attempt, adds the paper.

(AK)

[11] The population of occupied Morphou is reportedly decreasing

In statements to Kibris, Kansoy argued that occupied Morphou and its inhabitants have been influenced in the most negative manner by the political uncertainty which exists since 1974 and added that the population of the area migrates because they are concerned about their future due to the uncertainty and the unstable and unplanned policies of the regime.

Kansoy said that Morphou's population had been 9,4% of the total population living in the occupied area of Cyprus in 1990's and decreased to 6,4% twenty years later. He warned that this percentage will decrease to 5% by 2021, in case the "country's physical plan and regional development plan" is not implemented.

(I/Ts.)

[12] The "Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers Association" calls to give incentives to European tourists coming from Larnaka airport

Speaking to the paper, Dolmaci said that a lot of reservations not only from Turkey but also from Europe were cancelled, adding that these cancellations will affect also 2017. For this reason, he noted that different measures should be taken and a road map should be introduced.

Dolmaci also said tha they should have a more effective use for Larnaka airport, although they face there obstacles from the "South" (translator's note: the Republic of Cyprus), adding: "They cannot do anything for those who are coming as individuals, however a whole of difficulties are raised for the groups. They don't give permission for charter flights, they want hotel reservations. We should direct the individual clients from Europe to Larnaka. Our president (translator's note: Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci) may want to help on the issue of using the Larnaka airport for tourism. He may discuss it at the negotiating table".

Claiming that the intentional use of the Larnaka airport by the Turkish Cypriots will benefit both sides, Dolmaci noted that the European tourists may visit also "South" and "spend their holidays on both sides".

(DPs)

[13] Columnist: The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus; 42 years after 20 July 1974 invasion the status quo is outside the international law

"[?] The coup has definitely a leg in Cyprus. And a series of operations are expected here. While Turkey is being turned into a complete mess, it is not known how much they will remember of us, but some questions are waiting for answers. What would have happened to us, if the organizers of the coup got into action here? The police officers and the soldiers who resisted to the coup protected the Turkish Armed Forces' chief commander Erdogan, but who would protect our chief commander Mustafa Akinci, the chief of the Civil Defense Organization Huseyin Ozgurgun and all of us? I know that we have conducted this debate many times saying that the police should be bound to the civilians. In the end, we could not bind them. However, at the very end, who the company which protects the president of the republic would have taken commands from? Would it have taken from chief commander Akinci or from its captain? Was Huseyin Ozgrugun aware of what was happening at the Civil Defense Organization? I wonder, does he know why two of his 'employees' were arrested?

42 years passed since 20 July 1974. Two realties exist after 42 years. The first is that Turkey disembarked at Cyprus using its rights deriving from the international law and with an invitation by the Turkish Cypriots. The second is that the status quo established in Cyprus after 20 July has been outside the international law and against the Turkish Cypriots.

We have been expecting for 42 years that 'the Cyprus problem will be solved and this situation will cease to exist'. Moreover, we live under custody as Turkey's subordinate administration, but we demand full equality from the Greek Cypriots. We want from the Greek Cypriots more than the sovereignty denied to us by Turkey. Thus we live by deceiving ourselves. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[14] Turkish lira hits new record low; Erdogan's reaction to S&P downgrade

S&P decreased Turkey's foreign currency rating to BB from BB-plus with negative outlook, which means that the credit agency could further lower the rating in short or medium term.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (20.07.16) reported that Erdogan blasted Standard & Poor's downgrade of Turkey's main sovereign rating in the wake of last week's failed coup as politically motivated. "Why are you even interested in Turkey? We're not a member of you? Don't even try to mess with us", he said.

In 2013, S&P failed to reach a rating agreement with the Turkish Treasury, since which it has only issued an unpaid, unsolicited assessment. The Treasury has deals with other international rating agencies, Fitch and Moody's, which kept the country's investment-grade rating in the failed coup's wake.

The President said that Turkey is still committed to advancing infrastructure projects and will continue its economic reforms.

Erdogan said that S&P's assessment does not reflect the realities of the Turkish economy, which grew 4.8% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year. The President vowed that Turkey will maintain fiscal discipline. "Turkey will continue its economic reforms without any interruption?.There is no liquidity problem," he said.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Yeni Safak newspaper (online, 21.07.16) reports that Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, evaluating the downgrading by the international rating agency Standard and Poor, said Wednesday that one agency's "rush" to downgrade Turkey's credit rating is incomprehensible and macroeconomic indicators should also be factored into credit rating decisions.

He said that the government will soon introduce legislation to streamline investments, production, and exports in the country. "As always, Turkey will take necessary steps both in the financial sector and the real economy," he also tweeted. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AM)

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