Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-22

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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] Eide: No indication of any change in the international community's support

[02] The occupation regime included FETO/PYD organization in its terrorism list; Statements by Ozgurgun

[03] Denktas: "Nobody can convince me that Cyprus has links with the military coup attempt"

[04] Operations against Gulen's organization have reportedly started in the occupied area of Cyprus

[05] Turkey's Foreign Minister criticized Greek MFA's statement regarding the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

[06] Columnist: The ban on religious freedoms is not lifted in the occupied area of Cyprus; Akinci is furious with Ertugruloglu

[07] The water transferred from Turkey to be distributed to the occupied part of Nicosia as of today or tomorrow; Problems in occupied Famagusta

[08] Turkey's Parliament ratifies 3-month state of emergency

[09] Erdogan: Military to be restructured after coup attempt

[10] Turkey to temporarily suspend European Convention on Human Rights after coup attempt

[11] Biden reportedly said the ultimate decision on Gulen's extradition to Turkey rests with U.S. courts

[12] The UK Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth visits Turkey

[13] Ankara prosecutor launches coup probe in Turkish media

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eide: No indication of any change in the international community's support

He said last week had seen remarkable commitment from both sides, and in the face of recent developments in Turkey, both Mr Ak?nc? and Mr Anastasiades were more substantively committed than ever to finding a solution that would see Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with European principles.

He added that there was no indication of any changes in the international community's support following developments in Turkey, and that the guarantor powers remain supportive and committed to the process. Eide said these developments were a stark reminder that a kindly environment was not guaranteed, and it was important for all Cypriots, led by the two leaders, to grasp the momentum of the talks.

He reiterated his conviction that if a crisis were to occur during this phase of the talks, it would more likely be an external shock than a crisis within the talks, and while current external developments may not affect the talks, it constitutes an indication of the need to move quickly, solidly and credibly in the right direction.

He also briefed the media on his upcoming trip to New York, where he will brief the UN Security Council on the state of the negotiations.

He said he would convey to the Council the strong commitment of the leaders to finding a solution ? including the 15th of May 2016 joint statement in which they reinforced their shared ambition to achieve a lasting settlement on the island this year ? and would also brief them on the progress made thus far as well as outstanding issues.

[02] The occupation regime included FETO/PYD organization in its terrorism list; Statements by Ozgurgun

In statements after the meeting, Ozgurgun said that Terrorist Organization (FETO)/Parallel State Structure (PDY) was included in the list of terrorist organizations. He added that the decision will be published in the "official gazette" of the "TRNC".

Asked whether Turkey will provide them any assistance towards FETO organization, Ozgurgun said that he will discuss this issue during a meeting in Ankara.

Asked if there was any information on FETO's activities in Cyprus, Ozgurgun replied as follows: "I cannot say that we have information, but there are some speculations. We do not have any official or serious information at present, thus we cannot intervene". He added that both the Security Force Command and the "police" have taken all necessary measures in order to confront and prevent any difficulties and problems.

Referring to the case of the Turkish Cypriots students who remain in custody, he said that the "foreign ministry" has taken some steps and that they shall wait for the investigation's result and the court's verdict.

(AK)

[03] Denktas: "Nobody can convince me that Cyprus has links with the military coup attempt"

Stating that nobody can convince him that the "TRNC" has links with the military coup attempt in Turkey, Denktas recalled that when the Ergenekon case came into light, there were again allegations that "Cyprus is linked with Ergenekon".

Expressing the view that "we want to get involved in everything", Denktas commented also on statements made by so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun that the FETO organization has links with the "TRNC" and argued that what Ozgurgun meant is that all necessary measures are taken and that investigations will be carried out in order to clarify whether FETO organization is linked with the "TRNC".

Expressing his view that the state of emergency in Turkey will affect the "TRNC" economically, Denktas added that it is also possible to affect negatively the tourism sector, as well. He added that if this happens, then Turkey should provide them an additional help.

Referring to the three Turkish Cypriot students at the Military high school in Istanbul who are still in custody in Turkey, accused of their alleged involvement in the military coup attempt, Denktas said that it cannot be expected to have a privileged treatment because they are Cypriots. He added that he had learned that the investigations will be completed very soon.

(AK)

[04] Operations against Gulen's organization have reportedly started in the occupied area of Cyprus

The paper writes that the undersecretary of Turkey's Foreign Ministry visited the occupied area of the island for contacts, during which he discussed the issue of FETO organization with many "departments".

It is argued that a "trustee" will be appointed for three "universities", two "colleges" and some working places in the occupied area of Cyprus and that the student dormitories of "universities" belonging to Gulen were abandoned as operations in occupied Cyprus began.

It is mentioned that Gulen's organization maintains more than 150 houses of in the occupied area of Cyprus. Persons described as "older brothers or older sisters" offer religious education in these houses with the contribution of some imams.

In statements to Star Kibris, Suleyman Cakir, chairman of the trade union of employees in the field of religion, said that some imams and muezzins in the occupied area of Cyprus are sympathizers of Fethullah Gulen's ideas, but "they do not participate in the treason gang". Asked how many "nests" of Gulen's organization exist in the occupied area of Cyprus, Cakir noted that the organization camouflages its activities presenting some "TRNC citizens" as owners of these houses or nests.

Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (22.07.16) reports that the "witch hunt" has started in the occupied area of Cyprus. While "sweep operations" in the army continue, "universities" started burning books that belong to Fethullah Gulen. Furthermore, the "police" were informed by a person named Fuat Avni regarding the buildings which belong to Gulen's organization in occupied Nicosia and Keryneia. Furthermore, this person provided the telephone numbers of these buildings.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Volkan newspaper (22.07.16) argues that four persons called "FETO's imams" have abandoned the occupied area of Cyprus. Three of them were businessmen and one "bureaucrat", notes the paper, claiming that the "bureaucrat" was arrested while trying to flee to Egypt. One of the businessmen escaped to Germany, the other to Britain and the third to the government-controlled area of Cyprus, writes the paper.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkey's Foreign Minister criticized Greek MFA's statement regarding the Turkish invasion in Cyprus

Turkey's MFA statement further alleged: "In the aftermath of the heinous coup attempt, Turkey expects its neighbour Greece to abstain from such unfortunate statements which aim to take advantage of the present situation and act in line with the friendly and neighbourly relations and within the necessary spirit of democratic solidarity.

By an unfortunate coincidence, on 1974, Nikos Sampson, the leader of EOKA terrorist organization, staged a bloody coup on the Island with the support of the Greek military junta with a view to annexing the Island to Greece. In response to this attempt for the complete overthrow of the constitutional order in Cyprus, Turkey intervened and re-established security on the basis of the Treaties of Guarantee and Alliance.

It is obvious that the statement of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs aimed at obscuring Greece's historical role and responsibility in the coup attempts staged in Cyprus by the Greek military junta, the systematic oppression against Turkish Cypriots between 1963-1974 and numerous humanitarian tragedies including the displacement of thousands of persons from both peoples as a result of those actions.

On this occasion, we once again strongly emphasize that we expect Greece, as the other Motherland and Guarantor State in Cyprus, to approach this issue with a sense of responsibility which is needed in this critical period of the comprehensive settlement negotiations on the Island."

[06] Columnist: The ban on religious freedoms is not lifted in the occupied area of Cyprus; Akinci is furious with Ertugruloglu

The columnist reports, inter alia, the following: "The situation is not good at all. In an interview with BRT president Mustafa Akinci said: 'Every religious service which we prevent is a shot at our own feet'. Why does the president emphasize this? The answer is obvious: Because the ban on religious services at churches in northern Cyprus has not yet been lifted. He had said that it would be lifted. It was not lifted. This prohibition 'was a trick' by foreign minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu. [?]

Persons who have this mentality aspire to prevent the solution in Cyprus [?] and escalate tension. They do whatever they can for the continuation of the despotic feudal administration they have established in northern Cyprus far away from the world and the international law through the system of looting, plundering and booting. For this reason they do not even care about the others' rights and justice. [?]

It is now obvious that Tahsin Ertugruloglu and Serdar Denktas have established an ultra-nationalist front within the government. They do not care about lasting peace in Cyprus or the solution. [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[07] The water transferred from Turkey to be distributed to the occupied part of Nicosia as of today or tomorrow; Problems in occupied Famagusta

According to the paper, the municipality of occupied Lefkosia has signed the agreement with Turkey's State Water Affairs Department (DSI) which envisages that DSI will have the responsibility for the administration of the water for a transitional period of one year.

Meanwhile, in statements on the issue, the mayor of the municipality of the occupied part of Lefkosia, Mehmet Harmanci, stated that 90% of the town will be provided with water within a period of one month.

Also, the same paper writes that the water has stopped flowing in occupied Famagusta following several explosions in the old system of water pipelines.

(AK)

[08] Turkey's Parliament ratifies 3-month state of emergency

461 Deputies voted at the general assembly, of whom 346 voted in favour and 115 voted against the bill.

The bill was largely supported by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Part (MHP) Deputies, while the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputies voted against it.

Following the vote, the Prime Minister addressed to the general assembly to thank Deputies. "This state of emergency was not declared by the state against the nation, but against the state itself", Y?ld?r?m said as an assurance that the decision would have a minimum effect on civil liberties.

Moreover, Ankara Anatolia news agency (21.07.16) reported that Yildirim also sought to ease concerns on the future of the Turkish economy. "The Turkish economy is open to the world. As of July 15, despite the coup attempt, all economic activities continued uninterrupted. We saw some malicious efforts to play with the country's risk premium. But everyone should know these ratings are short-sighted."

[09] Erdogan: Military to be restructured after coup attempt

In his first interview since declaring a state of emergency following the failed coup, Erdogan said that a new coup attempt was possible but not easy, saying "we are more vigilant". "It is very clear that there were significant gaps and deficiencies in our intelligence, there is no point trying to hide or deny it. I told it to the head of national intelligence," Erdogan told Reuters in his palace in Ankara, which was targeted during the coup attempt.

The President also touched upon the cut in Turkey's foreign currency credit rating by Standard & Poor's after the failed military coup. He said that it had been a political decision and showed the rating agency had "sided with the coup, not with democracy". Pointing out that Turkey is no longer a member of Standard & Poor's, he added that S&P does not have the right to release statements on Turkey's economy.

[10] Turkey to temporarily suspend European Convention on Human Rights after coup attempt

"France has also recently proclaimed a state of emergency. And they suspended the ECHR, based on Article 15 of the convention," Kurtulmus told a group of Ankara bureau chiefs of media outlets on July 21.

"A declaration of a state of emergency is not against the ECHR", he said, adding that Ankara would announce its decision to suspend the ECHR through a formal statement.

Article 15 of the ECHR stipulates: "In time of war or other public emergencies threatening the life of the nation, any High Contracting Party may take measures derogating from its obligations under this Convention to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with its other obligations under international law."

The state of emergency will help the government fight against coup plotters and purge fully the state apparatus of members of the Gulen movement, Kurtulmus also said. "I want to guarantee that fundamental rights and freedoms and normal daily life will not be affected by this. Our citizens should feel comfortable about this", he added.

"We will not reverse fundamental rights and freedoms. We won't retreat from our democratic gains," Kurtulmus vowed, adding that the government's objective was to protect the social and political unity of the country.

"Our citizens with different political views or lifestyles should not feel uncomfortable. This is not a proclamation of martial law, there won't be curfews. The right to assembly will continue to be exercised," he added.

The government will be able to use the authority to issue legislative decrees but they will only be related to the attempted coup-related issues, Kurtulmus said, adding that the Parliament would remain open, working in line with its normal agenda. "For us, the greatest power is the Parliament and the people. We do not want to try to bypass it," he added.

The objective of the coup plotters was not to take over the power to rule the country but to turn Turkey into Syria through chaos and civil war, Kurtulmus also said, likening the Turkish people's resistance against the junta and its tanks to Czechoslovakia's fighting against Russian occupation in late 1960s.

He recalled that Turkey has been fighting against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) for the past year, and now it has to struggle against the Gulen movement, which used warplanes, tanks and other heavy weapons against the Turkish people. "That's why we have taken the decision to declare a state of emergency for three months. But we are planning to make this period as short as possible and to remove the state of emergency after one month or one-and-half months," Kurtulmus said, adding that the struggle should be carried out "quickly and efficiently."

The coup plotters had two main objectives, according to Kurtulmus. "First, they wanted to play with social and political faultiness to reduce the influence of politics, but the opposite happened. It created a common ground of dialogue for political parties. We believe this ground is very important for the future. Although all parties have different views, none of them is against democracy", he said.

The plotters' second objective was to restrict freedoms and isolate Turkey in the world, Kurtulmus said, adding that "the contrary will happen. We will continue our efforts for the normalization of our ties with other countries."

Responding to claims that the downing of a Russian warplane in 2015 was an action committed by Gulenist soldiers, Kurtulmus said "we have just opened a very thick book. We don't know yet what we will read in it". However, he also recalled that the government had "some suspicions" about the downing of the Russian jet, "which we shared with the people at that time."

The efforts to cleanse state bodies of Gulen sympathizers will continue, and those with even the slightest link to the organization will be removed from their positions, Kurtulmus said, while stressing that they will be very careful not to punish the innocent.

Although thousands of soldiers and high-ranking officers have been detained, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will not suffer personnel shortages as the Supreme Military Council (YAS) will convene to decide appointments and retirements in early August as planned, the deputy prime minister also stated. "But a very big wound has been created in the TSK. It will take years to heal this wound in the heart, mind and conscience of the people," he added.

Kurtulmus also stressed that the coup attempt demonstrated that better protection must be provided to top Turkish leaders' working offices and residences and a more effective air defence must also be considered, implying that the military unit located within the presidential palace could be dissolved.

On the extradition of shady Pennsylvania-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen from the United States, Kurtulmus said that a new dossier on Gulen's role in the attempted coup would be sent to the U.S. authorities within 10 or 15 days. "Law, friendship and our strategic relationship requires immediate extradition of this person. We definitely want him back from the United States," he said, while also complaining about a "lack of empathy" on the U.S. side.

"Just think about it: A priest who wants to attack the U.S. and its people escapes to Turkey and lives in Ankara or Istanbul. How would the U.S. feel about it? We feel exactly the same as they would feel about that," Kurtulmus added.

[11] Biden reportedly said the ultimate decision on Gulen's extradition to Turkey rests with U.S. courts

According to sources close to the Prime Ministry, Biden acknowledged Turkey's expectation regarding the extradition request during a telephone call to Yildirim and said that the U.S. would continue to support its ally.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources told Anadolu Agency that Biden said the ultimate decision rests with U.S. courts. Biden also praised the courage of Turks in the face of the coup attempt, which he once again condemned.

Yildirim said that Turkey had long warned the U.S. administration about "harmful activities of Fetullah Gulen as well as his terrorist organization", and expected the U.S., an ally, to extradite him.

[12] The UK Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth visits Turkey

Alan Duncan arrived in the Turkish capital and was received by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at the parliament nearly a week after the deadly coup attempt.

Duncan visited the Turkish parliament building which was damaged during the coup attempt and expressed his sorrow. He conveyed his condolences to the victims' families, to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Prime Minister.

According to the same sources, he said that the UK believed that Turkey would continue its counterterrorism against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) within the framework of democracy and the rule of law. Duncan added that people should be careful not to give credit to FETO supporters' perception management in Western media.

The British Minister also expressed confidence that Turkey's state of emergency, which was approved by parliament for three months, would end once the government achieved its goals.

[13] Ankara prosecutor launches coup probe in Turkish media

The broadcasting authority issued a statement that said "29 personnel working in various positions as part of an investigation into the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) ", had been fired from the Supreme Court of Radio and Television (RTUK).

At Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), approximately 300 personnel were suspended as part of the same probe. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/ AA)

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