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

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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 to meet Erdogan tomorrow

[02] Akinci: The Greek Cypriot side has not come to a reasonable and realistic point at the negotiations

[03] Turkes: Turkey supports the Turkish Cypriot peoples' efforts to overcome the unjust isolations

[04] Akinci: Ozgurgun's statements were purely done with the aim of discrediting and insulting me

[05] Ozgurgun: Our statements strengthen Akinci at the negotiations

[06] Turkish Foreign Ministry: Greek demand to remove Turkish troops raises questions on its sincerity

[07] Self-styled foreign ministry condemns Neophytou's statement

[08] Talat: The guarantees are an international agreement; The referendum could be held in 2017

[09] Denktas is not pleased with the Cyprus negotiation's progress

[10] Demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots on the second phase of the 1974 Turkish invasion

[11] Saner says that more than 2,000 persons will be benefited from the "labor and migration amnesty" granted by the occupation regime

[12] Talat stated that FETO has links in the breakaway regime

[13] Sale of immovable properties in the breakaway regime has been increased after the failed coup in Turkey

[14] Cavusoglu: Thirty-two diplomats failed to answer recalls to Turkey after failed coup attempt

[15] Ruling AKP marks 15th year with low-key celebration

[16] Gulen orders followers to 'unite' abroad

[17] Commentary argues that Turkey's exclusion from NATO will not serve western interests

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci to meet Erdogan tomorrow

According to a statement issued by Akinci's office, the Turkish Cypriot leader will depart for Ankara tonight at 21.30 accompanied by Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami, the "director of his office" Cenk Gurcag, his spokesman, Baris Burcu and his adviser for diplomatic and EU affairs, Erhan Ercin. The Turkish Cypriot delegation will return to the island on 18 August.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci: The Greek Cypriot side has not come to a reasonable and realistic point at the negotiations

"Our goal while carrying out the negotiations is to achieve a just solution with good will and sincerity protecting until the end the rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people and not allowing anyone to deprive them from these rights, but seeing also the right of the others. If we want a solution, we will be fair. And the other side should learn to behave fairly. We can reach nowhere by saying we want it all. The next four months are important. The steps which we will take are important. The Greek Cypriot side has not yet come to a reasonable and realistic point. Our wish is for us to reach a reasonable and realistic point on the path of reason. [?] Let us leave to the past the pain we experienced in the past [?]".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkes: Turkey supports the Turkish Cypriot peoples' efforts to overcome the unjust isolations

Speaking during a meeting at the London Yunus Emre Cultural Centre which was attended by representatives of civil society organizations, Turkes said that the most desperate coup attempt was experienced in Turkey on the 15th of July.

Responding to a question, the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister also touched upon the Cyprus negotiations process.

Stating that talks between the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades were proceeding positively, he said: "However, of course there are good and bad aspects of the international negotiations. You first discuss the issues which are easy to reach agreement on and you stand over the issues which are tough or difficult to reach consensus on. This first gives the indication that the talks proceed well but later because of ongoing disagreements this causes tension."

Noting that property and security were the thorny issues at the Cyprus negotiations process, he reminded that these issues will also start to be discussed.

[04] Akinci: Ozgurgun's statements were purely done with the aim of discrediting and insulting me

Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot side was continuing its efforts to reach a settlement "not by begging but with decisiveness, pride and honour".

In a written statement Akinci said that "Ozgurgun had attacked the elected president of the state on the eve of an important period in the talks which begin on August 23".

He said that this was purely done with the aim of discrediting and insulting him.

Ozgurgun's attack, Akinci added, and his effort to make him look as he is weak at the negotiating table "is not becoming of his position".

"I find his attitude politically immature and I condemn his unjust and ugly attacks" he said.

Akinci also pointed out that Ozgurgun had never expressed any concerns he voiced in his earlier statement.

On the contrary, he said Ozgurgun had made it clear that the "government" fully supported the Cyprus negotiations.

Pointing out that Ozgurgun did not read the negotiations minutes and was pretending he did not know that such statements affect the negotiations, Akinci said that during the next seven meetings which will take place until September 14, and assuming there are satisfactory convergences in points where there are disagreements, there may be more optimistic developments as to a solution in the second half of September.

"Despite important convergences in the talks we are still not at a point where we can reach a final agreement with the Greek Cypriot side. I hope that the process will take us to a place where the result will be beneficial for both sides. When that day comes, the prime minister can walk in any direction he wants. No one should worry as to who I will be walking with?I will continue to walk the path the people has been walking with me" he said.

[05] Ozgurgun: Our statements strengthen Akinci at the negotiations

In an interview with Turkish Cypriot Genc TV, Ozgurgun argued that both Akinci and he have been matured and explained his recent statements by saying:

"I have clearly said the following: We are not beggars for a solution. If the Greek Cypriot side sees us as beggars for a solution and acts accordingly, we cannot reach an agreement. In order for an agreement to be reached, both sides should want it. If the one side wants an agreement by saying 'I am dead, I am finished' and the other is reluctant, there will be no agreement. This is what I have tried to explain. I am seeing such an environment in the Greek Cypriot side recently. There are statements both by [President] Anastasiades and DISY leader Neofytou, which confirm these worries. 'The guarantees will be abolished', they say. This is not possible. This is inconceivable even for the esteemed president of the republic. I know this. This is what I wanted to draw attention to. [?] We just put forward our sensitivities, our concerns on the Cyprus problem. In fact, this gives strength and support to the president of the republic, because the president can also say the following: if our government is worried about this issue, you should be a little careful in your statements. This strengthens him".

Ozgurgun further said that they want the "undersecretary" of the so-called ministry of foreign affairs to participate in the Turkish Cypriot negotiating team and that they conveyed to Akinci this wish, because in this manner the "government" will know better what happens in the negotiations and its concerns will be overcome.

Referring to the issue of Fethullah Gulen's organization in the occupied area of Cyprus, Ozgurgun said that they evaluate all the information they receive and that all warnings made until today have been proved groundless, but "this does not mean that there will be no result in the future". He noted that the "government" does not possess any list on the issue and that it cannot act outside "legality", adding that Turkey submitted no demand as regards any Turkish citizen living in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkish Foreign Ministry: Greek demand to remove Turkish troops raises questions on its sincerity

The remarks were in response to Greek statement published Aug. 11 that said: "The elimination of the anachronistic system of guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus are sine qua non conditions for a just and viable resolution of the Cyprus problem."

Responding to Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias repeated calls for the removal of soldiers from the occupied area of Cyprus as one of the "fundamental conditions for the resolution of the Cyprus problem", the Turkish Foreign Ministry urged a more "constructive realistic" approach from Athens.

"Our expectation from Greece is to put an end to their statements that serves no purpose and their efforts on intervening the judicial process over the coup attempt that was blocked by our nation," the statement said.

[07] Self-styled foreign ministry condemns Neophytou's statement

A written statement issued by the "ministry" argued that such statements only served to reveal that "the main intention of the Greek Cypriot administration was not a solution".

The statement which stressed that "it was out of question to return Morfou or to stop its development" stated that great efforts had been made throughout the years, as in other parts of the breakaway regime for the development of the region.

"We would like to stress that the main aim at the negotiations is not to return land but if appropriate, to discuss the possibilities of territorial readjustment."

Pointing out that it was meaningless to issue statements by listing names and putting forward unreasonable demands during a time when efforts to reach a just and viable solution were underway, the Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side was trying to disrupt the talks by setting preconditions.

"It is with astonishment that we see that the same statement, despite all our calls and warnings, reflects past Greek Cypriot views that a settlement that safeguards the continuation of motherland Turkey's guarantees will not be accepted," the statement said.

"In this regard, we remind that the guarantee of motherland Turkey as pointed out in the statement was not a precondition that contradicted with the will for a solution. To the contrary it is an assurance of security against the unjust situation we had experienced in the past as a result of the Greek Cypriot attacks. We once again stress that it is out of question for the Turkish Cypriot people to approve an agreement which will not include the active and effective guarantee of Turkey" the statement concluded.

[08] Talat: The guarantees are an international agreement; The referendum could be held in 2017

Speaking at a press conference, Talat alleged that if the Cyprus problem does not end [in 2016], it will become a "victim" of the campaign for the presidential elections in the government-controlled area of Cyprus. He said that his press conference aimed at pointing out that time is "getting tight" as regards the Cyprus problem. "At this stage every effort should be exerted for concluding the negotiations by the end of the year, but it could perhaps be allowed for the referendum process to remain in 2017", he added.

Responding to a question regarding Turkey's contribution to the process, Talat expressed the belief that in spite of the trauma which Turkey experienced recently, it will heal its wounds and contribute positively to the process. "The negative developments in Turkey influence us negatively. If a coup happened in Turkey, the solution would become impossible. The impression we get from Turkey is that its stance has not changed", he alleged.

Referring to the guarantees, Talat said that this is an issue which will be discussed at the negotiating table and added that he does not think that the statements of the sides on this issue are correct. He noted that the guarantees are an issue of an international agreement and said: "The issue of guarantees cannot be decided and implemented only by the two sides in Cyprus. It should be discussed in an environment in which the guarantor powers will also participate".

Arguing that contrary to 1960, the state to be established now will have a "two founding state structure", Talat claimed: "The guarantees could also be arranged by taking into consideration this change. The important thing is for both sides to feel secure".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Denktas is not pleased with the Cyprus negotiation's progress

Denktas stated that everyone who has the right will be granted the "citizenship" and said the following: "They will even interfere to what we do in our bed now".

Denktas also stated that he is not pleased at all regarding the process of the Cyprus negotiation and expressed his support towards the statements of the self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun on the issue and against Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.

(CS)

[10] Demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots on the second phase of the 1974 Turkish invasion

The demonstrators also noted that what was called "peace" was an invasion to their lives and the "country" and transformed half of Famagusta into a corpse. "Time has stopped in Famagusta in 1974 and the town was not able to come to live again", they noted.

In addition, the paper writes that a demonstration was also organized in front of the so-called embassy of Turkey in the occupied part of Lefkosia in favor of an independent Cyprus. The paper however notes that the "policemen" in the event were more that the participants.

(CS)

[11] Saner says that more than 2,000 persons will be benefited from the "labor and migration amnesty" granted by the occupation regime

According to Saner, the obligation for exiting from the occupied area and entering again will be abolished and everyone will be "legalized" by taking a 45 day "residence permit" on the condition of paying minimum wage.

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (16.08.16) reports that Saner explained at a press conference the two "decrees" approved by the "government" and said that the aim is the return to the "country" of all the persons who had been sent away because of economic difficulties of their employers and without committing any crime. He said:

"The amnesty will be valid for 90 days. The application period for those who have been deported is six months. Those who have been punished for visa will be benefited from the amnesty by paying one minimum wage as penalty".

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (16.08.16) points out that "an amnesty decision has once more been taken" by the breakaway regime giving the illegal workers who had been "deported" a period of six months to apply for returning to the occupied area of Cyprus. Those who live without a permit in the occupied area of the island will pay 250 Turkish liras (TL) and take a "visitor visa" for 45 days. If they find a job within this period this "permit" will become "work permit".

(I/Ts.)

[12] Talat stated that FETO has links in the breakaway regime

Talat stated that they heard about some circles that used the money of the Gulen community and started business in the occupied area of Cyprus or opened schools and university dorms. "I personally think that this information was valid", Talat stated adding that it is important that FETO was declared as a terrorist organization in the breakaway regime as well.

In addition, Havadis (15.08.16) reports that Talat condemns strongly the efforts made by Ozan Ceyhun to connect the paper with Gulen.

Ceyhun who is German former member of the European Parliament is assigned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry with the duty of "revealing Feto organization and structure" in the occupied area of the island.

(CS)

[13] Sale of immovable properties in the breakaway regime has been increased after the failed coup in Turkey

Speaking to the paper, the chairman of the "estate agents union", Hasan Sungur, stated that occupied Keryneia is the number one choice for people from Turkey who buy houses in the occupied area of Cyprus, following by occupied areas of Famagusta, Bogazi of Trikomo and Yialoussa.

(CS)

[14] Cavusoglu: Thirty-two diplomats failed to answer recalls to Turkey after failed coup attempt

Since the coup bid, the Turkish Government has arrested or suspended tens of thousands of public employees suspected of links to the Gulenist terror cult (FETO), which is accused of trying to overthrow the government.

Cavusoglu revealed at a news conference that 208 Foreign Ministry staff had been recalled from posts around the world and 32 had failed to return "without permission".

Speaking alongside his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, Cavusoglu said two personnel based in Bangladesh had fled to the U.S. The remaining 30 had gone to a number of different countries, he added.

"Some of them escaped by sea, some of them escaped by air," he said. "Some of them we have not confirmed their whereabouts. We will locate them shortly." The figure does not include two military attaches who left Athens for Italy last week.

[15] Ruling AKP marks 15th year with low-key celebration

Around 5,000 invitations were sent out to senior party figures as well as the families of coup attempt victims, with speeches predominantly focusing on the coup attempt.

AKP Konya deputy and former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was first to take the stage in the program. Meanwhile, the 11th president of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, said the party had dramatically changed the country over the last 15 years, at a time when it was in a pessimistic atmosphere. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later attended the program via videoconference from Istanbul.

"We cannot act as it was before July 15 anymore. None of us can. Primarily, I cannot as a President. Likewise, the AKP as the ruling party which bore the responsibility of the last 14 years of Turkey cannot. I witnessed that the opposition parties had the same understanding in this process and I hope that civil society organizations, media and labor unions have the same understanding," Erdogan said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the party was the nation itself, representing the social center.

[16] Gulen orders followers to 'unite' abroad

He also asked the movement's followers to continue the group's activities under the roof of the diaspora of Hizmet, the Turkish name for his movement, which translates as "service".

"Unite under the roof of 'Hizmet diaspora,' carry on with the Hizmet movement in the country that you're in. Don't use the words, 'escape' and 'running away,'" Gulen said in encrypted messages he sent to followers, according to a report prepared by the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) after deciphering the messages. "Instead of using the two words, say that you are performing the Hijra because of the pressure and cruelty [in Turkey]," he wrote.

The MIT cracked the messages of Gulenists sent via little-known smartphone messaging apps Eagle and Bylock, which previously came to prominence in a Reuters report saying that the intelligence agency tracked thousands of people suspected of being followers of the movement.

Gulen reportedly sent his orders consisting of four articles under the name of "urgent action plan."

[17] Commentary argues that Turkey's exclusion from NATO will not serve western interests

"From those on the right to those on the left, many members of think tanks and journalists in the U.S. are advising President Barack Obama's administration to reconsider Turkey's membership in NATO due to harsh Turkish rhetoric against the U.S. leadership. Some say, the U.S. must relocate its Incirlik Air Base to a neighbouring country, Northern Iraq for instance, and focus on its strategic needs without Turkey's threats.

[?]

Not to mention the fact that no country has been kicked out of NATO so far and there is no precedence of extraordinary measures against a NATO member because its domestic politics and sovereign bilateral relations simply bother fellow member states. The same ramifications are true for a possible recalibration of Turkey and the U.S.'s bilateral partnership. The Obama administration or the next one can choose to seriously downgrade the level of cooperation, but this could simply contradict America's NATO commitments to Turkey.

I believe these obviously flawed policy proposals are merely used to pressure Ankara to change course. Let's be honest: It does not work. Not only do Turkish officials have no desire to leave NATO or break ties with the U.S., but it is also very well understood what top U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper means when he says Turkey must not leave NATO. You cannot kick Turkey out of NATO when your top military and intelligence leadership are worried about it. They do not buy these threats and consider it a media bubble.

NATO's lack of reassurances for the threats against Turkey provoked Ankara to invest in more home-grown defines projects and purchases of more advanced weapons to secure its territory against asymmetrical offensives. But this does not mean that Turkey is looking for ways to get rid of NATO or its alliance with the U.S.

What Turkey is trying to accomplish is to reach out more to non-NATO countries to develop stronger economic ties that can boost the Turkish economy and provide more immediate security benefits. As Alan Makovsky said at a briefing in U.S. Congress last month, Turkey is no longer an impoverished third-world country, it is now an upper-middle income country that seeks greater independence than the past.

I think the EU's wrongheaded policies on Turkey, namely blocking accession negotiations and accepting Cyprus as a member country while it chose to unify the island, strengthened the belief in Turkey that the EU does not want to admit Turkey as an equal. Recent reactions from EU countries on the coup attempt also confirmed these beliefs that Europeans are only interested in double standards. Of course, this is sad for Europeans because they need Turkey for at least their immediate security.

[?]

I agree with him that NATO and the U.S. should learn how to respect and tolerate disagreements with Ankara. Otherwise, the result is likely to be mutually severe damage to trust and cooperation." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(CS /AM)

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