Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-08-23

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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 invited the political party leaders to New York

[02] "Turkey's active and effective guarantees are indispensable for us"

[03] Star Kibris argues that the "Beirut Life construction" company sells "imaginary houses" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[04] Self-styled mayor of occupied Keryneia will ask from the EU and Turkey 7 million euro to increase the sewage plant capacity

[05] The Green Action Group criticized the "government" for lack of planning

[06] So called ministers due to Ankara for contacts

[07] Yildirim informed the opposition party leaders on the anti-terror fight in a second meeting after the coup attempt

[08] German Minister to visit Turkey to discuss the EU migration deal

[09] Cavusoglu summons the Austrian Ambassador over a PKK rally in Vienna

[10] Cavusoglu held a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart

[11] A Turkish-Japanese nuclear university to be established in Istanbul

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci invited the political party leaders to New York

In statements after the meeting, Huseyin Ozgurgun, self-styled prime minister of the regime and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP), said that they held a useful meeting and that the "government" is satisfied. He noted that they had the opportunity to evaluate issues such as their road map in the forthcoming period, the efforts which will be made and the more often meetings and the cooperation between the parties and Akinci. Wishing for a solution to be achieved by the end of the year, Ozgurgun recalled that both Akinci and the UNSG had made statements in this direction.

In his statements, Serdar Denktas, self-styled deputy prime minister and leader of the Democratic Party (DP), said that their worries continue to exist, but they will support Akinci during the negotiating process until an agreement text to come up. Noting that they will evaluate this text to see whether there are gains for the Turkish side, Denktas added: "It seems that on some issues there are [gains] and this totally depends on whether they will become primary law". Asked what he meant by referring to a "text", Denktas replied that "a text, which will be taken to a referendum, will, of course, come up in the end of the day" and noted that such a text "is not ready now".

Moreover, Mehmet Ali Talat, chairman of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that there is nothing 'extraordinary", but "hopes still exist". He noted that in the end of the process we will see what will happen and that Akinci wants the completion of the negotiations in 2016, the convention of a multilateral conference with the participation of the guarantor powers and holding a referendum in 2017, because "we all know that the elections in the Greek Cypriot side will somehow seal this period after 2016". "We share the same view and we support him", he added.

Furthermore, Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that during the next seven meetings all six chapters of the Cyprus problem will be discussed and an effort will be exerted to reach a result. Afterwards efforts will be exerted for a meeting with the UNSG and his team in New York and it is expected to be clarified whether there will be a solution in 2016, he added. "There is an intensive preparation for this. This is what we observed", he pointed out. Referring to information in the press on the issue of guarantees, Ozyigit argued that there is no need to shout on these issues, which remained for the end of the negotiations. "That is, they will be discussed in the five-party conference which will take place at the presence of the UNSG after these seven meetings", he claimed and added that Akinci carries out the negotiations within the framework of the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (23.08.16) refers to the issue under the title "Invitation to New York for a summit" and reports that all four parties replied positively to Akinci's invitation. The paper writes that Akinci told the political parties that a common understanding on the issue of guarantees has been achieved during his recent visit to Ankara.

(I/Ts.)

[02] "Turkey's active and effective guarantees are indispensable for us"

Replying to a statement issued by the Government Spokesman who reportedly said that the continuation of Turkey's guarantees in Cyprus will negatively influence the Turkish Cypriots and no other guarantees than the EU are needed after the solution, the "ministry" claimed that the security and guarantees provided by Turkey could under no condition be bypassed by the accession to the EU.

Describing as unreasonable the statement by the Government Spokesman, the "ministry" argued that he once more "amazed" the Turkish Cypriots and reiterated the allegation that Turkey's effective and active guarantees are indispensable for the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Star Kibris argues that the "Beirut Life construction" company sells "imaginary houses" in the occupied area of Cyprus

According to the paper, lately "Beirut Life real estate Construction Company", which provides services in the real estate industry in Lebanon and countries in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, ,Iraq and Iran, is also activated in the real estate sector in the occupied area of Cyprus. The paper argues that the "Beirut Life" company is deceiving people which are in Middle East countries by "exploiting TRNC". The company is advertising in the internet that it will build a 17-storey hotel and a residence project in the occupied area of Cyprus, making false promises. The company is collecting money for houses that are not constructed. The same company also promises that those who will buy these houses, they will get "residency" immediately in the "TRNC" and will also be able to obtain a Turkish passport in five years with a property investment starting with $45,000 of with instalments of 300 dollars per month, including health, affordable education benefits and employment opportunities of working.

According to the map provided by the company, the projects will be constructed at the occupied village of Kythrea, which is impossible due to quarries. Moreover, the paper found out that there is no application for such projects at the "city planning bureau". It is also stressed that this fraud will harm the "TRNC" like the fraud of Gary John Robb in the occupied village of Klepini.

The paper calls the "officials" of the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to take actions against these outlawed activities of "Beirut Life Company", which has already taken deposits from some people for these "imaginary projects".

(DPs)

[04] Self-styled mayor of occupied Keryneia will ask from the EU and Turkey 7 million euro to increase the sewage plant capacity

Self-styled mayor of Keryneia Nidai Gundorgu, speaking to the paper, said that parallel to the increase of people, the needs of the town have also increased and as a result the sewage plant of 15 thousand tons capacity is not sufficient anymore.

Gundorgu further said that their aim is to increase the capacity of the sewage plant to 80 thousand tons, but 7 million euro is needed. He added that the "municipality" cannot cover this cost and they will ask aid from the EU and Turkey.

Asked to estimate how many people are living in the occupied town of Keryneia, Gundorgu said that "accordingly to the public records, there are around to 33,200 residents, however it must be known that there are also only in the town 20,000 water meters, and if you think that there are 3 persons in every house, it means 60,000 people are living in Keryneia". He further said that there are also 16,000 or 17,000 registered students at the "Girne American University", adding that they should also calculate that main bulk of the Turkish occupation forces is located in the occupied town of Keryneia, which means six thousand soldiers with their families are also living there. In addition to this, he noted that there are hotels with 30 thousand tourists' average per month.

(DPs)

[05] The Green Action Group criticized the "government" for lack of planning

Ergun Bey, campaign and research management assistant of the Green Action Group, in a written statement, warned about the various environmental problems in the occupied area of Cyprus, worrying especially about the speedy unplanned structuring since 2004. Bey stressed that "it is unacceptable the government to ask for the amendment of the decree, which will be the cause of more unplanned structuring and concretion in Keryneia, while there are so many other problems of unplanned constructions in the country". He further said that with this unplanned development, natural and historical beauties are being lost every day, adding that these mistaken activities will also harm the tourism potential.

(DPs)

[06] So called ministers due to Ankara for contacts

According to a statement issued by the "ministry", Berova will meet with the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Nabi Avc? and the Minister of National Education Ismet Y?lmaz tomorrow.

Berova will also meet with the Head of YOK Prof. Dr. Yekta Sarac on Wednesday. He is expected to return to the occupied area of Cyprus on Thursday.

Meanwhile, according to Turkish Cypriot daily Haberal Kibrisli newspaper (23.08.16) the so-called minister of labor and social insurance Ersan Saner and his accompanied delegation departed yesterday for Ankara for a series of contacts.

According to a statement issued by the "ministry", Saner will meet with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister, Responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Tugrul Turkes, the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Policy Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya and the Minister of Labor and Social Security Suleyman Soylu.

Also, so-called minister of health, Faiz Sucuoglu will depart today for Ankara upon an invitation by the Turkish Minister of Health, Recep Akdag.

Sucoglu will meet with Turkes, Akdag and the chairman of the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay), Kerem Kinik.

According to the paper, Sucoglu will discuss with Akdag the development of their cooperation in the field of health, the new "hospital" to be constructed in the occupied area of Cyprus and the "social insurance system".

(AK)

[07] Yildirim informed the opposition party leaders on the anti-terror fight in a second meeting after the coup attempt

The meeting between the Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m, the Republican People's Party (CHP) head Kemal Kilicdaroglu and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli marked their second reunion since the failed coup attempt on July 15.

Y?ld?r?m welcomed K?l?cdaroglu and Bahceli at the Prime Ministry's Office in a three-hour meeting with an agenda focusing on terror issues and constitutional amendments.

According to officials, the three leaders discussed Turkey's counter-terrorism efforts and recent developments in Syria and Iraq. Y?ld?r?m provided information to the opposition leaders about the fight against FETO and measures taken by authorities, officials stated. The leaders also exchanged views on the small-scale constitutional amendments package, they added.

The meeting excluded Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-leader Selahattin Demirtas on the grounds that the party had failed to distance itself from the PKK. "The HDP has to take a firm stance against the PKK", Yildirim stated.

(?)

[08] German Minister to visit Turkey to discuss the EU migration deal

"Minister Michael Roth visits Turkey, with discussions likely to focus on the EU-Turkey deal on refugees and visa-free travel, which looks increasingly precarious," German officials said.

The March deal outlined that migrants crossing from Turkey to Greek islands who were not applying for asylum in Europe should be returned to Turkey, while Turkey agreed to control its borders to prevent illegal migration.

In exclusive remarks delivered to Reuters on August 16, Roth said that Turkey was facing a long and arduous path to obtaining visa-free travel within the European Union, and immediate prospects were not bright.

Roth told Reuters it was clear from the start that the migrant deal struck between the EU and Turkey required the completion of 72 criteria before the Turks could be granted visa-free travel.

"Turkey faces a very long and difficult path. The criteria must be fulfilled, and it doesn't look good at the moment," Roth said. "As long as the 72 criteria have not been fulfilled - and a few are still open - there cannot be visa liberalization", he added.

(?)Meanwhile, Elmar Brok, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, and Kati Piri, the Rapporteur for Turkey at the European Parliament, were scheduled to pay a joint visit to Turkey on Aug. 23.

The visit by the two European lawmakers will mark the first visit from the European Parliament to Turkey since the July 15 failed coup attempt.

[09] Cavusoglu summons the Austrian Ambassador over a PKK rally in Vienna

Cavusoglu stated that Turkey has withdrawn its Ambassador to Austria, and explained the envoy was called back to Ankara "for consultations and to revise relations."

The move comes after the Austrian authorities banned Turkish citizens from holding an anti-coup meeting in the country but allowed a pro-PKK march to take place on Saturday. "We cannot remain insensitive to this attitude supporting terrorism," Cavusoglu stated.

"Unfortunately, the ground on which our bilateral relations and cooperation with Austria can be normally sustained has disappeared," added Cavusoglu.

[10] Cavusoglu held a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart

Speaking at a press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Linas Linkevicius, Cavusoglu said: "Actually, by stopping the coup attempt, the Turkish people prevented instability that could have affected Europe."

He also alleged that Turkey had always made a significant contribution to the European economy, its growth, stability and security. "[But] unfortunately, some European countries ignored this. Unfortunately, we see that they [European countries] did not understand the gravity of the coup attempt or they did not want to understand it," Cavusoglu added.

He also blamed this lack of understanding as the reason why certain negative statements had been made against Turkey.

Cavusoglu expressed Turkey's appreciation over Lithuania's support in the aftermath of the coup bid, something which, he said, the Turkish government expected to see from the European Union as well.

(?)

Also, Linkevicius stressed the need to rebuild a constructive dialogue, which was not present lately. "We have to be more forward leaning and engaged to understand the situation better. So all those guilty, those who committed crime against the state and the democracy, they have to be prosecuted, have to be trialed in a fair way."

Linkevicius said that Turkey is a key European partner, trade partner and NATO ally. "Both countries face common challenges that need to be addressed together", he added.

He said that he trusted the Turkish authorities would adhere to fundamentals of freedom and human rights. "It is very important and essential during these difficult times. We do trust our ally to do these in a fair way," he added.

[11] A Turkish-Japanese nuclear university to be established in Istanbul

According to the agreement, the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University will provide education in areas such as nuclear science and reactor engineering, architecture, construction and earthquake engineering.

The establishment of the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University received approval from the Parliament, after an agreement was signed between Turkey and Japan on June 20 in Istanbul.

According to the agreement adopted on Parliament's last working day, the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University will be established with the support and contribution of the two countries, and successful youth from all around the world will be eligible to receive education at the university. The language of education will be in English. The university will provide academic degrees and certificates at an undergraduate level, as well as offering masters and doctorates.

The Parliament will be the supervisory body for the university. Six members of the Parliament will be appointed by the Turkish President and four members will be appointed by the ruling party. The rector of the university will be appointed by the President from among the candidates recommended by the Parliament. Techno-parks and business facilities will be established inside as well as around the university campus. The university will be built on land owned by the state near the Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Japan will provide an initial fund of $100 million to the university. Turkey will ensure the land and other infrastructure elements. The salaries of professors, to be appointed by Japan, will also be provided by Japan. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK /AM)

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