Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-08-19

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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 September could be the beginning of a new period in Cyprus

[02] Akinci: A new formula on the issue of guarantees could be found

[03] Akinci alleges that President Anastasiades should show "leadership" for the solution of the Cyprus problem

[04] Columnist refers to two Turkish scenarios regarding the guarantees in Cyprus

[05] Columnist assesses the recent Erdogan-Akinci meeting

[06] Turkish Cypriot daily argues that a pessimistic picture by the World Bank on the compensations of territory is harming the negotiations

[07] More on the weapons discovered at occupied Famagusta port

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily argues that the persons wanted for Briton's murder in Ayia Napa are not Turkish Cypriots

[09] Erdogan: Terrorist organizations formed to harm Islam

[10] US Justice Department officials to visit Turkey, discuss extradition of Gulen

[11] Bill to downgrade two provinces in SE Turkey scrapped

[12] Erdogan met Pakistan's parliamentary delegation

[13] New internet survey indicates Turks now more connected

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that September could be the beginning of a new period in Cyprus

"If the ground for a five-party conference could be created during these seven meetings, something which we wish to happen, the month of September could become the beginning of a new period. [?] Uncertainties on some issues in the first four chapters need to be clarified during these seven meetings and especially on the property where positive steps are expected to be taken. In case these happen, the way for a five-party conference could open [?]"

According to Akinci, the territory will generally be discussed in these seven meetings without percentages and maps, while the security and guarantees will remain for the final stage, but "the end is approaching". Reiterating the belief that reaching a solution by the end of 2016 is possible, Akinci alleged that "the solution could become impossible if it is not achieved in 2016". He noted that the progress depends on achieving convergences with the efforts to be exerted and added that "this is the reason why the seven meetings are extremely important from the point of view of showing whether it is possible to open the way of a five-party conference in New York in September".

Akinci described as "important" what he called as Turkey's support to the Turkish Cypriots and the solution process in Cyprus and added that his contacts in Ankara were useful. He alleged that Turkey also aims at a solution in Cyprus in 2016.

Asked whether they have a Plan B in case a solution is not reached, Akinci said that in parallel to the efforts for solving the Cyprus problem, they should develop "economy and democracy in the TRNC" and therefore there is no need for them to prepare a "scenario" for the possibility of not finding a solution, since "life continues and we will continue our way". "This is not what we wish. Our wish is a solution by which all sides will win", he argued adding that "therefore putting onto the agenda other scenarios from now has no meaning".

Noting that the Greek Cypriots are expecting the Turkish Cypriots to change their stance on the points of disagreement, Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriots are actually those who expect the Greek Cypriots to change their stance and attitude. Explaining what he means, he referred to statements such as "there could be no solution without the return of Morfou" and "we will not say 'yes' to a solution if guarantees exist". He alleged that no solution could be reached with such "hard" statements.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci: A new formula on the issue of guarantees could be found

In statements to CNN-Turk television, Akinci alleged that "some circles" in the Greek Cypriot side show as pretext the coup attempt of the 15th of July in Turkey in order to develop a new argument against the guarantees in Cyprus. He argued that the actions of a "gang" in the Turkish army could not be attributed to the entire army.

Akinci alleged that during the 1963 and 1974 incidents the Greek Cypriots and Greece had committed mistakes before Turkey to take action and that Turkey will not act in the future "if a mistake by the Greek Cypriots is not committed against the Turkish Cypriots".

Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriots want Turkey to have a role in an adjustment that will provide the security of the Turkish Cypriots so that their concerns regarding the repetition of the events of the past are abolished.

Replying to a question regarding the Fethullah Gulen organization (FETO), Akinci said that they have no concrete information as regards the existence of FETO in the occupied area of the island and added that if there is any terrorist organization, they have the duty to act against it. He noted: "[?] There are some journalists, whom we know for 40 years. Efforts to involve their names [in FETO organization] were also exerted in the TRNC. Fabricated stories started to be made even for some persons who have no other profession than journalism and both I and everyone know very well. No innocent should suffer alongside with the guilty [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci alleges that President Anastasiades should show "leadership" for the solution of the Cyprus problem

Akinci argued that the "determination" of the Turkish Cypriots on the solution of the Cyprus problem will bring their recognition by the international law and added that "for example, in the solution to be reached there will be rotating presidency, [?] there will be a presidential council with two presidents and we will gain international recognition in this manner".

Referring to the Annan Plan, Akinci alleged that 'the Greek Cypriots failed on the issue of sincerity" and that "if there is not a solution again because of the Greek Cypriots, the division of the island will become permanent".

Referring to the criticism against the existence of the Turkish occupation army in Cyprus, Akinci alleged that the Turkish army invaded the island after the coup of the Greek junta and argued:

"Of course, no one considers staying forever there in the same number. If there is a solution, this number will certainly be reduced gradually. The Greek Cypriot side strengthens its armed forces in number and equipment from time to time. However, whatever the Greek Cypriot side does, it cannot secure superiority over the armed power of Turkey in this sense. They also realize that they cannot abolish Turkey's military existence on the island by increasing armaments. What should be done is not to increase the arms on the island, but the disarmament. And the reestablishment of mutual trust".

Referring to the new period in the relations between Turkey and Israel, Akinci argued that the transfer of Israeli natural gas through Turkey will be a very good development and will contribute to the solution in Cyprus. He further argued that the transfer of the Cypriot natural gas to Europe through Turkey and to Turkey for covering its local needs, together with the Israeli natural gas, "will be a scenario in which everybody will gain".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Columnist refers to two Turkish scenarios regarding the guarantees in Cyprus

"The second and the most important is perhaps that the Cyprus problem was discussed and important results were taken especially on the chapter of guarantees", writes the columnist, adding that the stance of the Turkish side was clarified on this chapter.

Arguing that the Turkish Cypriot delegation was hopeful after its return from Ankara, Duzgun notes that two formulas are being discussed in the "diplomatic backstage" as regards the scenarios on the guarantees which are examined by the Turkish side. He writes, inter alia, the following:

"[?] In the diplomatic backstage it is said that the abolition of the Treaty of Alliance and Guarantees will be accepted in case a base is given to Turkey in which a small number of troops will be maintained. The presence of the Turkish army satisfies the Turkish Cypriots. What about the Greek Cypriots? Are they also satisfied? This is not known because it has not been negotiated. However, Anastasiades, who wishes the abolition of the Treaty of Alliance and Guarantees, will achieve his goal. In the end, the wish of both sides will be realized. The second formula is the following: The Treaty of Alliance and Guarantees will be abolished and Turkey will guarantee only the security of the Turkish Cypriot state of the United Republic. The right of intervention will depend on some conditions. For example, intervention could be made after convention of the local parliament, approval and invitation by the two thirds of the deputies. That is, there could be no intervention only with a decision by Turkey in case the guarantors cannot agree, like it happened in 1974 [?]"

Referring to the road map by the end of the year, Duzgun reports that the plan is for the two leaders to settle many issues during the seven meetings they will hold by 14 September, the issues guarantees, territory and property to be repeatedly discussed in New York on the occasion of the UN General Assembly Convention in the second half of the month and if an agreement is reached a date for holding a referendum will be determined in November or December.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Columnist assesses the recent Erdogan-Akinci meeting

"Akinci's body language was saying that he was not relaxed. It was obvious that inside the meeting discomfort had been conveyed to Akinci for the Democracy Rally in Nicosia. Reference was made to the solution as regards the Cyprus problem, but after this meeting not a single word was said especially regarding the issue of 'guarantees', on which Turkey was expected to open its hand. These were my first observations. Afterwards, I sat on Thursday morning and watched Akinci's and Erdogan's statements again second by second and took notes. [?]

The statements of the leaders lasted for 17 minutes together with their opening and closing. The speeches clearly lasted about 15 minutes and 30 seconds. Erdogan used the five out of the 16 minutes and Akinci the eleven. Erdogan devoted two minutes and 10 seconds of his speech to the Cyprus problem and two minutes and 50 seconds to the FETO issue. Akinci talked for four minutes on the Cyprus problem, while he touched on the FETO issue for six minutes and 30 seconds. The time which both Erdogan and Akinci devoted to the two issues should give a clue regarding the climate inside [the meeting]. Moreover, both presidents talked about FETO in the beginning of their speeches. Cyprus was in the second plan.

Another point which drew attention was the following: While Erdogan used a written text, Akinci improvised. [?] It was obvious that there was a sensitivity regarding the messages which the Turkish President would give [?] On the other hand, what Erdogan said regarding the Cyprus problem ? most of which were a repetition ? were again remaining in the background in channels controlled by the Turkish diplomacy.

Some hopeful sentences regarding the Cyprus problem have come out from the meeting held in Ankara. However, it should be noted that on the issue of guarantees Ankara, where different voices had been raised on this issue a while ago, remained tightlipped and gave no positive signal. With a forced interpretation, it is even possible to perceive the emphasis made by both presidents on the security as 'Ankara having a hard stance on this issue'. The reference by Erdogan to 'political understanding and flexibility while going towards the solution, to regional cooperation and prosperity after the solution and to solution by the end of the year are sentences which are pleasant to the ear. [?] However, looking at the whole of statements, to the calculation of the time, to the body language, to the importance given to the issues and what has come forward in the course [of the events], it is not possible to give an optimistic response to the question 'what has come out from Ankara?' [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[06] Turkish Cypriot daily argues that a pessimistic picture by the World Bank on the compensations of territory is harming the negotiations

Under the title, "Who is going to pay the bill then?", the paper argues that according to a presentation of the World Bank to all the sides in Cyprus, "black days" are ahead for the Federal Cyprus that would be established after a solution is reached. The paper writes that the pessimistic picture the World Bank has presented is strangling the Cyprus negotiations.

(CS)

[07] More on the weapons discovered at occupied Famagusta port

The "police", writes the paper, seized the weapons while they were loaded on the "Dipkarpaz" (Rizokarpasso) ship but the authorities of the ship denied any connections with the weapons because they did not had any related documents. The "police" seized 318 automatic weapons the import of which is forbidden in the breakaway regime and 327 one barreled rifles and double barreled rifles the import of which is not forbidden.

Yeni Duzen writes that there are allegations according to which the weapons came from Mersin, Turkey and there were to be send to Turkey again. However, there is no answer to the question "why was the Famagusta port used for this".

According to other allegations, not coming from "officials", the weapons were to be sent to Tunisia. The weapons belong to a person called Ali Kucuk and they entered the breakaway regime via the Harun Erhun Ltd Cargo firm and remained to the area where the Port Isbi firm is activated in the occupied Famagusta port.

(CS)

[08] Turkish Cypriot daily argues that the persons wanted for Briton's murder in Ayia Napa are not Turkish Cypriots

According to the paper, one of them is a Bulgarian origin Turk and the other one may be of Arab origin. The paper publishes statements by Gurdal Hudaoglu, co-chairman of the bi-communal committee for crime who denied information that the two persons escaped in the breakaway regime. As he stated they have not received any written demand from the Greek Cypriot side on the issue, nor were they informed that the two men escaped in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(CS)

[09] Erdogan: Terrorist organizations formed to harm Islam

Despite the terrorist groups' different names, they share the same motives, he said.

Speaking at the Presidential ccomplex to address Islamic NGOs in the world, Erdogan said that those who want to associate Islam with terrorism aim to make Islam look like a religion that supports terrorism.

Erdogan asserted that DAESH shadows Islam and cannot be linked to Islam in any way. He said that such efforts to associate Islam with terrorism can only be called Islamophobia. He added that 'Muslims were being killed by Muslims'.

He also slammed allegations that Turkey has aided Daesh, saying: "Daesh is not a representative of Islam. Daesh is a terrorist organization that casts a shadow, a dark mark over Islam. We could never take sides with Daesh?, adding that those who make such allegations are in fact helping Daesh.

His speech came just hours after a trio of deadly PKK attacks in Turkey's east and southeast.

Reporting on the same issue, Sabah (19.08.16) reports that Erdogan chaired a security summit after triple PKK attacks hit Turkey's east and southeast in the spate of 24 hours.

The summit, lasted about 1,5 hours and was also attended by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Turkish General of Staff Hulusi Akar and other Ministers.

[10] US Justice Department officials to visit Turkey, discuss extradition of Gulen

During their two-day visit, officials from the Justice Department's General Directorate of International Law and Foreign Relations will hold meetings with prosecutors from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir who handle cases of terrorism and organized crime.

Turkish prosecutors will inform U.S. officials regarding FETO activities and discuss the extradition process as well as the Tahsiye case, a fabricated lawsuit which was orchestrated by FETO police officers, prosecutors and judges who sought the removal of a cleric who was critical of Gulen.

The Turkish delegation which will meet with Justice Department officials will include Ankara's Deputy Chief Prosecutor Necip Cem Iscimen, who prepared the indictment regarding FETO, Izmir's Deputy Chief Prosecutor Okan Bato, Istanbul's Deputy Chief Prosecutor Ismail Ucar and Istanbul's public prosecutor for terror and organized crimes, Hasan Yilmaz.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Saturday that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will also visit Turkey on Aug. 24.

[11] Bill to downgrade two provinces in SE Turkey scrapped

The measure would downgrade Hakkari and Sirnak to districts and rename them as Colemerik and Nuh, respectively. It would also approve province status for Yuksekova and Cizre districts, located in Hakkari and Sirnak, respectively.

MPs from opposition parties applauded as the decision to cut out the part was announced following a parliamentary consensus among parties.

The omnibus bill contains legislative changes concerning a variety of public institutions in education, administration and tourism, and also foresees the establishment of a private university tentatively called the City University of Istanbul.

Both Hakkari and Sirnak have been a focal point of ongoing anti-terror operations launched by the Turkish Armed Forces to clear cities of PKK, fill trenches, remove barricades and destroy explosive traps.

[12] Erdogan met Pakistan's parliamentary delegation

During the closed meeting at the Presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan thanked both houses of the Parliament for unanimously passing resolutions expressing strong support and solidarity with Turkey in defeating the July 15 coup attempt and protecting democracy, according to a press release by the Embassy of Pakistan.

The resolutions were passed by Pakistan's National Assembly and the Senate on August 3. Erdogan told the visiting parliamentarians that he would be visiting Pakistan soon to thank the Pakistani people for their support.

[13] New internet survey indicates Turks now more connected

Computer and internet usage of individuals aged between 16 and 74 is 54.9 and 61.2 % respectively, TurkStat said, slightly up from last year's figures. In a country of more than 74 million people, eight out of ten households have internet access, the TurkStat survey found. Those without internet access mostly say they don't need it, while others cite having online access at work, school or at internet cafes as the reason they are not connected at home.

More than 73 % of households have a broadband internet connection, TurkStat says. Statistics also show nearly 97 % of households had cellphones or smartphones as of April 2016, while the rate of laptops per household surpassed those with desktop computers.

Smart TV use is also on the rise, up 24.6 % from 20.9 % in 2015.

The internet is mostly used for fun and connecting with friends, statistics show. Social media use dominates internet activities, with 82.4 % of individuals with internet access using it for social media websites, to create new accounts and post messages in the first quarter of this year, while watching videos came second on the list of online activities. Users also use the internet to read news mostly, the statistics indicate. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(CS /AM)

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