Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-07-27

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that Yildirim expressed the reality by referring to a last chance for a solution in Cyprus

[02] Yildirim: Cyprus problem no longer sustainable

[03] Izcan evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey and its effects in the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] The military coup attempt in Turkey dealt a heavy blow in the occupation regime's tourism sector

[05] Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia on August 9

[06] Turkish Council of Ministers decisions

[07] Turkey detains Istanbul Governor, academics after failed coup attempt

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses two Ambassadors, dozens of diplomats over Gulen links

[09] The illegal YDU "university" organized a workshop in Italy

[10] The illegal "UKU" signed a cooperation agreement with an American University

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that Yildirim expressed the reality by referring to a last chance for a solution in Cyprus

In statements to journalists yesterday in the occupied area of the island after his meeting with President Anastasiades, Akinci noted, though, that maps, percentages and names of places will not come onto the agenda. The Turkish Cypriot leader said that these issues will be discussed in an interdepended manner according to the provisions of the joint declaration of the 11th of February 2014.

Akinci further noted that more common understandings were achieved yesterday between himself and President Anastasiades, adding that if the same fruitful work continues during the second half of August, the target of finding a solution by the end of 2016 could be attained.

Asked to comment on a statement made yesterday by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yiildirim that this is the last chance for finding a solution in Cyprus, Akinci reiterated that President Anastasiades and himself are leaders who belong to the same generation and expressed the belief that this is the last chance for their generation to find a solution. He added, inter alia, the following:

"[?] Hundreds of people are very intensively working during this period of the Cyprus problem. A lot of material which could lead us to a result has been accumulated. [?] Twelve years passed since the Annan Plan. Such a process cost twelve years. If it does not happen now in an environment in which so much labor has been carried out, what other name could we put to it except for 'last chance'? Within this framework, the statements by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim regarding a last chance for the solution are not a threat, but an expression of the reality".

Asked to comment on information as regards the return of Maronites to their occupied villages, Akinci recalled that four occupied Maronite villages exist and that Maronites are currently living in Kormakitis, but in Agia Marina, which is located in a "military zone", new settlements should be built because no houses to reside have been left. He said that they have been holding contacts with Maronites living in the government-controlled area of Cyprus and argued that the approach of both the military and the "civilian authorities" in the occupied area of Cyprus is positive on this issue, but there is nothing concrete to say.

Replying to another question, Akicni expressed his sorrow for the delay observed in the tenders invited by the UNDP as regards the necessary works for the opening of the crossing points in Deryneia and Apliki areas and added that according to some information the tenders were extended for three days upon a demand submitted by the building contractors, but no proposals were received for Apliki and only one high cost proposal was submitted for Deryneia. Akinci noted that the UN will invite tenders again and that he gave instructions in the direction of finding out the reason of the delay of the tenders. He argued that, just like in the uses of the interconnection of the electricity and cell phones networks, there is nothing which the Turkish Cypriot side should have done and did not do it. He said that they should meet with UNDP officials in order for speeding up the process.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yildirim: Cyprus problem no longer sustainable

Speaking in Ankara at a joint press conference with the self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, Yildirim said the situation in Cyprus "is not something that could be sustained forever".

"For years, the Turkish Cypriot side has been almost ignored and subjected to isolations while the Greek Cypriot side has continued to enjoy-albeit in an unfair manner-all the opportunities provided by the European Union and the world at large. It is apparent that this is not a sustainable situation," he said.

The Turkish Prime Minister further said Ankara would continue to support the Turkish Cypriot cause and be their guarantor.

"Regardless of the circumstances of a resolution, or whether a resolution is found or not, Turkey's effective guarantorship is a must in Cyprus. Turkey will not let any developments that would allow another adventure. Everybody must know this. We want peace," he said.

As for peace talks between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, Yildirim claimed that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side have always been constructive, and called on the Greek Cypriot side not to miss this "last chance".

"This is actually the last chance of the Greek Cypriot side which keeps saying: 'Let's make peace and live together,' only to spoil the game every time. We suggest that they make good use of this chance," Yildirim added.

Speaking also in the joint press conference, Ozgurgun said that the security forces "will clamp down" on the Gulenist Terror Organization [FETO], if anything is detected by the government.

When asked whether a widespread operation against FETO is expected or not, Ozgurgun said that they added the group to their terrorist list on July 21, adding that all Gulen-movement activities are banned.

Ozgurgun said he sees his "official visit" to Prime Minister Yildirim as "a meeting of brothers".

"Turkey's presence on the island is the main element in assuring Turkish Cypriots' security until there is a permanent and fair resolution found for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots," Ozgurgun said. "Turkey's being strong and healthy in every aspect is the most important thing for us."

Ozgurgun said: "If a permanent solution is reached, the water project will be for the benefit of Greek Cypriots as well." Adding: "Realizing this project could only be done by a big state, Turkey."

The paper also reports that in the framework of his visit Ozgurgun also met with the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and with the Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces Hulusi Akar.

[03] Izcan evaluated the military coup attempt in Turkey and its effects in the occupied area of Cyprus

Expressing his deep sorrow over the incidents in Turkey, Izcan argued that "it has been revealed once again that they need a modernized Constitution and a democratic administration and that neither they nor Turkey need dictators who consider themselves to be rare persons".

Describing "north Cyprus" as "Turkey's backyard", Izcan stressed that all kinds of "religious organizations" in the "TRNC" which belong to the community represent and implement in practice what Turkey's Prime Minister Yildirim has said, that "whatever happens (exist) in Turkey it happens also in the TRNC".

(AK)

[04] The military coup attempt in Turkey dealt a heavy blow in the occupation regime's tourism sector

According to the paper, 80% of the hotel reservations in the "TRNC" and the 50% of the schedule flights were cancelled.

Also, a remarkable decrease has been observed on the number of tourism from Turkey which holds the 70% of the "TRNC market". Also, the cancellation of hotel reservations by European tourists has reached to 10%.

The paper adds that the so-called ministry of environment and tourism has established a "crisis management center" to confront this situation, while, the so-called minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu went urgently to Turkey to hold contacts. It is expected writes the paper by Ataoglu to make comprehensive statements on the issue after returning from Turkey.

Moreover, in statements to the paper, representatives of the "hotelier's union", travel agents and representatives of the "aviation sector" pointed out to the seriousness of the crisis and stressed the need for measures to be taken urgently.

(AK)

[05] Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia on August 9

The meeting will be the first since Russia and Turkey began normalizing relations following the downing of a Russian jet in November last year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkadiy Dvorkovich in Moscow, Simsek said the two countries wanted to normalize relations "as quickly as possible".

"Russia is not only our valuable neighbor, but also our important and strategic partner," Simsek said.

"We are here to improve our relations and bring them to an even higher level than before Nov. 24," he added.

In addition, Hurriyet Daily News (27.07.16) reports that the leading Ministers of the Turkish economic administration visited Moscow on July 26 to discuss ways to mend ties with their Russian counterparts for the first time since the downing of a Russian jet by Turkey last November, which strained bilateral relations in a dramatic manner.

Deputy Prime Minister Simsek and Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci attended a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dvorkovich at the Government House in Moscow on July 26.

Russia and Turkey will gradually unfreeze trade and economic relations that soured after Turkey downed a Russian bomber near the Syrian border last November, Dvorkovich told his Turkish counterpart.

According to Dvorkovich, Russia was ready for constructive talks with Turkey, but normalization of relations should be phased. He added that the two countries had good opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation, including implementation of major projects, and recover tourist flows.

Dvorkovich said he believed that given the goodwill of the parties, implementation of the Turkish Stream project could progress. "Ankara confirmed it is open for resuming the dialogue on the project. Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak is going to hold consultations with his colleagues on the topic," he said.

The sides also discussed the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, according to news agencies.

[06] Turkish Council of Ministers decisions

Speaking to reporters in Ankara after the third Cabinet meeting since the July 15th coup attempt, Yildirim said that the parties have agreed on the need for necessary changes to the Constitution to ease deadlocks in the system.

Earlier the leaders of the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) Party, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace.

"We will work together to prepare the infrastructure for this system," Yildirim said. On bigger changes to come, he added, "We have decided to continue the unfinished process to make a new Constitution."

Yildirim announced that the Supreme Military Council (YAS), customarily held at the end of August, will be held this Thursday instead, and for the first time the venue will be the Prime Ministry.

[07] Turkey detains Istanbul Governor, academics after failed coup attempt

Former Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu was detained in Istanbul early on July 26 over links to the outlawed Gulenist movement.

Mutlu was the Governor of Istanbul during the nationwide Gezi Park protests in 2013. He was one of the 246 local authorities who have been suspended from their duties by the Interior Ministry in the aftermath of the coup plot.

The Ministry has suspended a total of 8,777 officials from duty since the failed attempt.

Journalist and former parliamentarian Nazli Ilicak, who was among 42 people for whom a detention warrant was issued as part of post-coup attempt crackdown operations, was also detained on July 26 in the touristic resort town of Bodrum in the Aegean province of Mugla.

Five other journalists - Yakup Saglam, Ibrahim Balta, Seyit Kilic, Bayram Kaya and Cihan Acar - were also detained in operations.

Meanwhile, simultaneous operations were staged across universities in eight Turkish provinces, with police detaining a total of 188 people and another 54 people being suspended from duty.

[08] Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses two Ambassadors, dozens of diplomats over Gulen links

The purge included Gurcan Balik, who for long served as the chief advisor to former Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and former Ambassador to Canada Tuncay Babali. Two other Ambassador-level diplomats, Senturk Uzun and Ali Findik, were dismissed prior to the July 15 failed coup attempt.

According to information gathered by Hurriyet Daily News, the Gulenist infiltration into the Foreign Ministry took place in high numbers between 2007 and 2013. Both Babali and Findik served at the Human Resources Department of the Ministry during this period. Babali was the head of the department between 2010 and 2012 before being appointed to Ottawa while Findik was sent to Costa Rica as the Turkish envoy.

[09] The illegal YDU "university" organized a workshop in Italy

According to the paper, during the workshop, officials from the European Union, Germany, Greece, Israel and Turkey discussed and expressed their views on the future vision of the Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus.

Also, during the workshop, the opportunities and risks in Cyprus in the light of the latest developments in the region, were discussed.

Former Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergun Olgun and the "director" of the illegal Near East Institute, Dr. Umut Koldas, and the "rector" of the illegal YDU, Dr. Irfan Gunsel represented the Turkish Cypriot community at the workshop.

Speaking during the workshop, Gunsel underlined the importance of the increase of the international "representation" of the Turkish Cypriot community not only in the academic field but also in the political field.

Gunsel expressed also the importance of preventing the Greek Cypriot side from unilaterally representing the whole of Cyprus at international meetings and conference especially in important issues such as in economy, health, education and tourism.

(AK)

[10] The illegal "UKU" signed a cooperation agreement with an American University

The "cooperation protocol" was signed by the "rector" of the illegal university Prof. Dr Halil Nadiri and the rector of RMU, Prof. Dr Christopher B. Howards.

The "protocol" envisages among other, cooperation between the two "universities" in the academic and education fields, exchange of students and academic staff, organization of common research and projects, the organization of common symposiums, seminars and conferences. It also provides the right to the students who study at the "universities" to obtain double diplomas.

(?)

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