Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-08-12

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun demands simultaneously the opening of the crossing points of Deryneia and Apliki

[02] Reactions against FETO links investigator Ceyhun are growing in the breakaway regime

[03] Atun signed a "cooperation protocol" in Ankara

[04] Talat says solution necessary before 2017

[05] "TRNC's tourism" to be promoted in Ordu

[06] Data by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce shows decrease in both exports and imports

[07] Turkey's Ambassador to EU: If fight against terrorism not impeded, Turkey could modify anti-terror law

[08] A survey shows that 66% would vote for Erdogan

[09] Cavusoglu: Turkey-Israel deal to be signed before September

[10] Reports that a scandal-involved Turkish businessman received a permission to open a new illegal university for money laundering

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ozgurgun demands simultaneously the opening of the crossing points of Deryneia and Apliki

Speaking at the private channel Ada TV, Ozgurgun said that the Greek Cypriot side needs the agreement as much as the Turkish side and alleged: "We have always bent our head, we have always insisted for an agreement. 'We are obliged, if there is no agreement, we are finished, we are burnt'. There is no such thing, if there is not an agreement, why have we burnt? The agreement should be an agreement that will show that the Greek Cypriots need it as much as we do. It's like we beg for an agreement and the Greek Cypriots do us a favour". "I see a destitute atmosphere in the talks?one where we are begging for a solution and this deeply upsets me. We under no circumstance accept this?if there are those who support this they should walk that path with Ak?nc?" Ozgurgun said.

Ozgurgun criticized the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci's stance that he does not react when the Republic of Cyprus makes agreements with other countries on the natural gas while the Cyprus talks are being continued. Ozgurgun also accused Akinci of not replying to President Anastasiades' statements "There will not be a Cyprus settlement without the return of Morfou or Karpasia". Ozgurgun noted that he makes an effort to replying to these statements, although he is told not to make such statements because the Cyprus talks are harmed. He added that they do not accept Akinci's stance and criticized it very harshly.

Responding to a question regarding the Cyprus launching of a new round of offshore licensing for hydrocarbon exploration, Ozgurgun alleged that this is a demonstration of routine tactics the Greek Cypriot side had been resorting to for years.

"For years the Greek Cypriots, whilst conducting negotiations with us, have been involved in some form of other activity. The Greek Cypriots have never been negotiating in sincerity and it has been the Turkish Cypriot side which has always been insisting on a settlement" he said.

Criticizing the Turkish Cypriot side's stance at the negotiating table, Ozgurgun pointed out that the Greek Cypriots needed a settlement to the Cyprus Problem just as bad as the Turkish Cypriots did. "It's like a perception has been created that failure to settle the Cyprus problem will be the end of us and so we are begging for a solution. Unfortunately this has been the prevailing atmosphere in the talks for a very long time. Any settlement to emerge under these conditions will not be good for us which is why we need to adopt a firm stance. The President has been sitting at the table with his head hanging low. Is this the kind of leader the Turkish Cypriot people want? " the Prime Minister asked.

Ozgurgun also called upon Akinci to come out and share with the public what concessions he has won at the negotiating table. "We are seeing the statements of the Greek Cypriot side. What are we hearing from Ak?nc?? Nothing?just pure silence?this for me is totally unacceptable. It is with deep concern I am following the negotiations" he said.

Referring to the opening of the crossing point of Deryneia, Ozgurgun said that the crossing points of Deryneia and Apliki should be opened simultaneously; otherwise Akinci cannot accept the opening of Deryneia crossing point first. Ozgurgun alleged that the Greek Cypriot side does not want the opening of Apliki crossing point out of fear that the occupied village of Lefka will be turned into a thriving centre.

Asked to comment on what will happen with the "agreement regarding the establishment and the activities of a youth and sports coordination office abroad" by Turkey in the occupied area of Cyprus, Ozgurgun said: "Frankly, I have not seen the decision yet, but as far as I am concerned, it's a technical regulation. There are references to another international agreement of 2012, which has not been ratified by the assembly. In case we pass from the assembly that agreement of 2012, then this agreement will have no difficulty. We will ratify if as soon as the assembly opens in October".

(DPs)

[02] Reactions against FETO links investigator Ceyhun are growing in the breakaway regime

Ceyhun who is German former member of the European Parliament, has been appointed by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a personal choice of the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu himself, in the Turkish so-called embassy in the occupied part of Lefkosia and is assigned with the duty of "revealing Feto organization and structure" in the occupied area of the island, writes the paper.

Afrika also recalls that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) had accepted Ceyhun as its "honorary member" and notes that plots of land had been allotted to him in occupied Tymbou area, but afterwards this land was taken away from him.

Afrika, which in the past had duels with Ceyhun, warns in its first page the Turkish Foreign Ministry to get its informer back, otherwise this will give the chance for new reactions in the Turkish Cypriot society.

Reporting on the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (12.08.16) reports that Ceyhun is accusing everyone and everybody of having links with FETO and of being a traitor.

The paper writes that Ceyhun accused via his twitter account and with statements to various television channels that keep invite him for statements, the paper's editor in chief Basarn Duzgun and Havadis columnist Huseyin Ekmekci for being involved with Gulen.

Noting that the answer to Ceyhun was given by the Turkish Cypriots who have been calling the paper to express their support towards Duzgun and Ekmekci, the paper notes that its reaction will be stronger if Ceyhun continues his attacks towards Havadis and its people and calls on the "authorities" and those who believe in democracy to react against him.

(CS)

[03] Atun signed a "cooperation protocol" in Ankara

A "cooperation protocol" was signed between the "economy ministers" of the two "countries" regarding the implementation of the restructuring of the trade relations between the two "countries" and product safety.

It has also been announced that the 1st "TRNC Fair", organized under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Economy will be held in Istanbul on the 16th of November.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Turkish Minister of Economy Zeybekci said that Turkey had averted a major disaster with the attempted coup on the 15th of July as a result of the heroic resistance put up by the public.

Reminding that he had recently visited the "TRNC" (editor's note: the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), Zeybekci said that Turkey will continue to do all it can for the development of the "TRNC" and to solve its outstanding problems.

Stating that the water being piped from Turkey is now running through taps all across the "TRNC", the Turkish Economy Minister said that the next step will be to use the water for agricultural purposes. He also announced that a "TRNC fair" will be held in Istanbul on the 16th of November to promote goods and services produced in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Atun for his part said that the real heroes in preventing the 15th of July attempted coup from succeeding was the Turkish nation.

On the economy issue, Atun expressed his view that the "protocols" signed will enhance the "TRNC's exports" by at least 20%. He also expressed the view that the "protocol" signed on product safety will ease trade relations between the two "countries" and will contribute to increasing "exports" to Turkey from the "TRNC".

Atun is expected to return to the occupied area today, after completing his contacts.

[04] Talat says solution necessary before 2017

Speaking at a press conference this morning, the CTP leader said the process towards reaching a settlement before the end of the year, which he referred to as a natural deadline, is continuing at a speedy pace.

"Reaching a settlement before the end of 2016 is a must. A solution in 2016 is necessary not only because of the next upcoming elections in south Cyprus but because of the volatile state of the region" he said.

The CTP leader also said that a solution was necessary so as to allow the unobstructed transportation of Israel's natural gas to Europe.

Pointing out that the Greek Cypriot side which was struggling with economic problems also needed a solution; Talat said that it was the Turkish Cypriot side which needed a solution the most.

"The economic problems, our international isolation and more importantly being left out of international and EU law are all making life extremely difficult for our people. The road to establishing a modern order and presenting our people with a life under the guidance of international and European norms passes through a solution" he said.

Touching upon the current stage reached in the talks, Talat said that only few differences existed on the chapter of Power Sharing and Governance, primarily on the issue of rotational presidency.

He said that important convergences have been reached on the chapter of EU matters.

Talat pointed out that the Economy Chapter is completed and other convergences were reached on the chapters of Territory and Security and Guarantees.

Reminding that the two leaders will be meeting 8 times until the first half of September, Talat said that what is needed to be done in those meetings is to finalize all first four chapters through a process of give-and-take before moving onto the last two chapters in detail.

Underlining the importance of preparing people on both sides for a settlement, the CTP leader said that important responsibilities fell not only on the two leaders but the "governments", the political parties and civil society on both sides to achieving this.

"The government has a serious responsibility towards preparing the country for a comprehensive settlement. Approaching solution efforts with suspicion and spreading unwarranted fear towards the public is unacceptable" he said.

[05] "TRNC's tourism" to be promoted in Ordu

As part of his other contacts in the Turkish city, Ataoglu will also be meeting with the Governor of Ordu Irfan Balkanl?oglu, the Mayor of Ordu Enver Y?lmaz and the Chairman of the Ordu Chamber of Commerce Servet Sahin.

Ataoglu is also expected to attend a live program on Ordu TV on Friday evening.

[06] Data by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce shows decrease in both exports and imports

According to data by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce for the first five months of 2016, exports have decreased 18% while imports decreased 5%.

The total amount for importation was 548,754,285 US dollars while for exportation was US dollars 54,886,290.

The paper writes that 60% of the goods were imported by Turkey and 36% from third countries. In addition, 67,3% of good were exported to Turkey and 32,7% to third countries.

(CS)

[07] Turkey's Ambassador to EU: If fight against terrorism not impeded, Turkey could modify anti-terror law

Ambassador Selim Yenel told The Associated Press in an interview that "it's very difficult to change the legislation, but we're not closing the door".

"As long as it doesn't affect our fight against terrorism, in all its forms, then we can look at some wordings", he said.

The EU wants Turkey to change its definition of terrorism and what constitutes a terror act to ensure that journalists and academics aren't arrested.

Yenel warned that Turkey would suspend the migrant deal if the EU doesn't grant the waiver "in the next few months". The waiver would allow Turkish citizens to travel visa-free in the 26 European nations of the Schengen open borders area for up to 90 days without a visa. Turkey had hoped to qualify for it last month.

"If we fulfil everything, and still we don't get visa liberalization, then the (migrant) readmission agreement will not be realized. We will suspend it," he said.

Yenel underlined that the widely-criticized deal is working, with migrant arrivals from Turkey down from thousands daily to a few dozen. "We have solved their so-called existential problem and we feel that we need something in return," he said.

The Ambassador also appealed for understanding from allies in Europe and at the NATO military alliance, saying that "we're very lucky" the July 15 coup attempt was botched.

"Please give Turkey the benefit of the doubt," said Yenel, who accused the "chameleon" like movement of creating a "parallel state" in the country.

He acknowledged that the Turkish military had been shaken by events, but said NATO "should not be worried".

"Although the numbers of military people implicated have been high, it's only a small proportion, and the army is capable of managing things," he argued. "In a few months' time, this will be over."

[08] A survey shows that 66% would vote for Erdogan

The ORC's survey was conducted on 1,230 participants in 32 cities between Aug. 8-9. The survey aimed to uncover public sentiment towards President Erdogan on the second anniversary of his presidency. Participants were asked specifically, "If there were to be an election today, would you vote for Erdogan and do you trust him?"

In the presidential elections of 2014, Erdogan secured the presidency with 52% of the vote. The polls showed that 66%t of participants would vote for Erdogan, marking an increase in both support and trust for the President, while 22.7% of participants said that they would vote for another leader and 11.3% remained indecisive. Some 81.5% of participants said that they have confidence in President Erdogan.

[09] Cavusoglu: Turkey-Israel deal to be signed before September

Replying to journalists' questions at Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk on Wednesday, Cavusoglu said that the Parliament's approval of the pre-agreed deal was delayed due to last month's defeated coup but that it will be done "as soon as possible. I think we will finalize the issue before the Parliament's recess. Israel has met our terms, paving the way to normalize ties. Therefore, we must do this as soon as possible," Cavusoglu added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Turkey and Israel will exchange Ambassadors and Tel Aviv will pay $20 million in compensation to the families of the 2010 flotilla attack victims.

Israel has also agreed to Turkey's request to maintain a humanitarian presence in the blockaded Gaza Strip.

When asked about EU relations, after statements from several EU officials saying reinstating that the death penalty would end Turkey's membership bid, Cavusoglu said the EU's attitude has affected the Turkish public's view of the bloc "negatively". "If the EU wants to lose Turkey, they should say it clearly", Cavusoglu said. "They should say 'we want to halt the negotiations,' not just threaten us."

Cavusoglu said there is no need for the EU to make "threatening" statements. "We applied to be a member, and we want to meet the obligations to become one", Cavusoglu said. "We went through a deadly coup attempt, but instead of supporting our case, the EU threatens us with halting the membership process. Why would they do that? We need to see the point here."

On the EU migrant deal with Turkey being at risk, Cavusoglu said the EU reacted to the issue because "Turkey makes the rules and stipulates."

Turkey's migrant deal with the European Union "will not be possible" any longer if Ankara's visa-waiver demands are not met, according to both President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Cavusoglu.

"We need to implement the migrant deal and visa-waiver deal together," Cavusoglu said.

[10] Reports that a scandal-involved Turkish businessman received a permission to open a new illegal university for money laundering

The businessman's ex-wife, Pelin Emiroglu claims that this initiative aims to money laundering of the amount of 1,200,000 Sterling pounds by the businessman who wants to hide this big amount of money from her.

(CS) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs /AM)

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article