Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-08-24

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] Turkish military launches operation in Syria's Jarablus to clear ISIL

[02] The second round of the Cyprus talks started; Akinci: Our target is to minimize the existing differences

[03] Izcan called the so-called government to stop the "granting of new citizenships"

[04] The return of the two suspects for the murder of a British citizen in Agia Napa is requested by the police of the Republic of Cyprus

[05] The occupation regime gives "permit" for five new hotels and casinos in occupied Keryneia

[06] The terrorist attacks and the failed coup in Turkey had an impact on the tourism in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[07] Sucuoglu, Berova and Saner held contacts in Ankara and signed "cooperation agreements"

[08] Sungur wonders who is the partner of the "Beirut Life Company" in the occupied area of Cyprus

[09] Putin to visit Turkey

[10] Yildirim: Turkey does not approve the Israeli attack on Gaza

[11] Cavusoglu: "Turkey to appoint an envoy to Israel soon"; Joint press conference with the Hungarian FM

[12] Turkey's YAS convened for the second time after the failed military coup attempt; 586 colonels retired

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish military launches operation in Syria's Jarablus to clear ISIL

The operation began at around 4 a.m. with the Turkish artillery units launching a total of 224 fires on 63 targets which was followed by four separate air operations by the Turkish and coalition warplanes bombing ISIL targets. It was the first time that the Turkish F-16's launched an air operation in northern Syria since the downing of a Russian jet for violating its airspace on November 24, 2015.

The military operation aimed at clearing the Turkish border from "terrorist elements," halting the new wave of refugee flows and delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in the region, the last significant town held by the jihadist group on the border with Turkey, the agency said.

It also aimed at prioritizing and supporting Syria's territorial integrity, according to the report.

According to military sources, a ground offensive has not begun yet while works to open corridor have been ongoing, private broadcaster CNN Turk has reported.

However, a senior Turkish official told Reuters that a group of Turkish Special Forces crossed into northern Syria.

A number of tanks and caterpillars were also cross the border as a part of the operation.

Meanwhile, the Gaziantep Governor's office declared some regions across the border as special security zone.

The Jarablus operation came hours after a series of mortar shells fired from ISIL-held regions in northern Syria hit the Karkam?s district of the border province of Kilis.

Earlier, security forces had urged locals to evacuate the town for their life security.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also said on August 23 that Ankara would lend all kinds of support for military operations in Jarablus.

Located on the western bank of the Euphrates River, Jarablus is 54 kilometers east of al-Rai, a border town rebel groups recently took from ISIL.

By taking Jarablus themselves, the rebel groups would preclude an assault on the town by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group of Kurdish-dominated militias who on Aug. 6 took the city of Manbij, 30 kilometers to the south, from ISIL.

[02] The second round of the Cyprus talks started; Akinci: Our target is to minimize the existing differences

In statements after returning to the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci said that we have entered into a period which will influence to a significant extent the developments in the Cyprus problem, that the next three weeks are very important and that depending on the convergences to be achieved during the intensified negotiations, they want to meet in New York and launch the process for a five-party conference.

Akinci clarified that "this is a possibility" and no decision has been taken yet and noted that the developments will be shaped depending on the results of the remaining six meetings, which will take place on 29 and 31 August and on 2, 6, 7 and 14 September. He said that they might issue a joint statement on 14 September in the end of the seven meetings.

Akinci argued that a difficult process awaits them and mutual understanding and help is important during this process.

Replying to a question on the "territory' and the "guarantees", Akinci said that yesterday they discussed the differences they have on the chapters and added that all chapters will be discussed, but the Turkish Cypriot side preserves the view that the issues of territory, guarantees, percentages and maps should be discussed in a "series of continuous meetings".

Asked to comment on the agreement to be signed between the Republic of Cyprus and Egypt on the natural gas issue, Akinci argued that avoiding such moves would be beneficial for the negotiating process and expressed the hope that the conditions for both sides to benefit from this wealth will be created. "This will be possible with a solution", he noted adding that their wish is for drillings not to begin in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Akinci reiterated the allegation that after the solution of the Cyprus problem, the cheapest and most profitable choice is to join the Israeli and Cypriot natural gas and export it to Europe through Turkey. He described the export of natural gas to Egypt as "meaningless", because after 5-10 years Egypt will be able to export natural gas due to the reserves found in its EEZ.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Izcan called the so-called government to stop the "granting of new citizenships"

In a written statement, Izcan also argued that the uncontrolled population increase will create new social and economic problems in the "country". He then called the so-called government to "stop committing this mistake".

Izcan accused further the so-called government for not taking any action for solving the internal problems in the "country" and for not doing anything for supporting the Cyprus negotiation process.

Izcan described also as "unacceptable" the recent criticism by the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, on the way he carries out the Cyprus negotiation process.

(AK)

[04] The return of the two suspects for the murder of a British citizen in Agia Napa is requested by the police of the Republic of Cyprus

In statements to Yeni Duzen, co-chairman of the Bi-Communal Committee on Criminality, Hakki Onen said that the police of the Republic of Cyprus had applied in writing to the Committee asking for the return of the suspects and added that the issue will be evaluated by the politicians, but it is still "early" for a decision. He argued that the suspects should be tried and punished for the crimes they had committed in the occupied area of the island and then the "return procedure could come onto the agenda".

(I/Ts.)

[05] The occupation regime gives "permit" for five new hotels and casinos in occupied Keryneia

The self-styled minister of tourism and environment, Fikri Ataglu told the paper that he does not know the exact number of the applications made to his "ministry" for acquiring the necessary "permit", but "permit" for the construction of five new hotels has been granted. He said that [the construction of] casinos and incentives are also included in these "permits".

Meanwhile, Orhan Tolun, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot travel agents' union, told Yeni Duzen that due to the increase of the interest for hotels with casino, the construction of such hotels has been intensified. He noted that they do not oppose to hotels which are built according to the "laws" and to the environment and added: "The hotels will not be very high; their infrastructure will be completed. When all these are completed, we do not oppose to the hotels". He argued that a master Plan for occupied Keryneia should urgently be implemented, as this is the only way for saving the area from the "constructions without permit".

(I/Ts.)

[06] The terrorist attacks and the failed coup in Turkey had an impact on the tourism in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

According to statistics issued by the "ministry of tourism and environment", overnight stays in hotels in the "TRNC" dropped 7.4% during the months January-July compared to last year.

According to statistics, the number of overnight stays in hotels in the occupied area of Cyprus was 1,722,386 during the months January-July 2015 compared to 1,714,352 in January-July 2016.

During the first seven months of 2015, the number of the visitors, who entered the occupied area of Cyprus through the airports and seaports apart from the "TRNC citizens" were 811,142, while in the same period in 2016 were 859,541.

(DPs)

[07] Sucuoglu, Berova and Saner held contacts in Ankara and signed "cooperation agreements"

Sucuoglu who came together with the President of the Turkish Red Crescent Kerem K?n?k, announced that a decision was taken for cooperation between the "TRNC" and the Turkish Red Crescent.

Speaking during his meeting with K?n?k, Sucuoglu reminded that blood shortages were being experienced in the "country" for years, adding that both Thalassemia patients and other patients were finding it difficult to meet their blood needs.

Stating that the health system practiced in Turkey was quite advanced and that they wanted to create a similar system in the "TRNC", Sucuoglu said that those working at the "TRNC state blood bank" will receive training in Ankara.

Sucuoglu added that the problem of blood shortages in the "TRNC" will be solved as a result of the "cooperation" with the Turkish Red Crescent.

The President of the Turkish Red Crescent Kerem K?n?k stressed that they were also beside the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that their support will continue.

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (24.08.16), so-called minister of education and culture Ozdemir Berova is also holding a series of contacts in Ankara.

As part of his contacts, Berova met with Turkish Minister of National Education Ismet Y?lmaz yesterday.

Speaking during the visit held at the Turkish Education Ministry, Y?lmaz said there was much work to be done in the field of education.

"We want the TRNC to be one step ahead of Turkey in the field of education" Y?lmaz said.

Stating that innovations were made in the field of education, Y?lmaz said: "This is an endless work. We are putting a great effort together with the TRNC education minister to offer the best service to our peoples and countries. We are expressing our readiness to cooperate and work together with the TRNC in all fields of education."

For his part, Berova noted that close "cooperation" with Turkey had started many years ago and said: "As it is stated in the national education law in the TRNC, the main elements of national education will be carried out spontaneously with motherland Turkey and within the framework of Ataturk's principles and reforms."

"We are closely following the developments of Turkey and the initiatives it is undertaking in the field of education. We, in accordance with our demands and with your support are carrying out work in our country with the aim of increasing the quality of education", Berova also said.

At the same time, so-called minister of labor and social security,Hamza Ersan Saner is carrying out a series of contacts in Ankara.

As part of his contacts, Saner met separately yesterday with the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya and the Turkish Minister of Labour and Social Security Suleyman Soylu.

The strong relations and "cooperation" that exists between the two "countries" were highlighted during the visits.

Saner and Soylu also signed a "cooperation agreement" in areas of labour, social security and employment.

The two "ministers" also reached an "agreement of principle" to meet regularly to evaluate the level of "cooperation" between the two "countries".

[08] Sungur wonders who is the partner of the "Beirut Life Company" in the occupied area of Cyprus

Hasan Sungur, the chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot association of real estate agents" ("KTEB"), commenting on the activities of the "Beirut Life Company", said: "Absolutely, there is a partner in the TRNC (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus). No one can prepare and advertise such a project without coming to or knowing the TRNC. First, the partner who is in the TRNC should be found out. If this person is found out, then the problem will be solved. We will make our investigations to find this person". Sungur further said that they will start immediately a research and will investigate the issue in detail.

(DPs)

[09] Putin to visit Turkey

Putin will arrive in Turkey to watch a football match between Russian and Turkish teams on August 31 in the southern Turkish city of Antalya, Dogan news Agency reported on Tuesday.

Turkish President Erdogan will also attend the friendship match. Local media reported that Turkey will host Russia in a football friendly match ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, an important step to help repair the strained bilateral relations after the jet-downing incident in last November.

The two countries began last month to take positive measures to restore the relations, which have been improved since Erdogan visited Russia earlier in August.

Meanwhile, the Turkish private channel CNNTurk (24.08.16) broadcast that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that they do not have yet any information regarding Putin's visit to Turkey.

[10] Yildirim: Turkey does not approve the Israeli attack on Gaza

Binali Yildirim has reacted to the Israeli rocket attack in the blockaded Gaza Strip on Sunday. "We want to clearly express that these attacks against civilians were not approved", Yildirim said.

"The normalization of our relations with Israel will never prevent, stop our stand for Palestinians' justified case and our common action with them," added Yildirim.

Yildirim also said that he looked to improve relations between Turkey and Egypt. "We are on the side of improving our relations with Egypt," said Yildirim. "Egypt is a country whose culture, values are close to us, our people are brothers," Yildirim said, adding that the conflicts between governments should not be reflected on the people.

(?)

[11] Cavusoglu: "Turkey to appoint an envoy to Israel soon"; Joint press conference with the Hungarian FM

Saying that Turkey does not want Daesh to exist in Iraq and Syria, Cavusoglu stated that Turkey will provide all contributions to cleanse the terrorist organization from neighboring countries.

"We currently provide all kinds of logistical support for coalition countries and actively participate in the fight against Daesh. We have killed more than 650 Daesh terrorists in [northern Iraq's] Bashiqa camp alone with artillery fire", Cavusoglu added.

He also noted that a tripartite meeting between U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who will visit Ankara on Wednesday, and Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani, who visits Ankara this evening, will not take place.

Cavusoglu continued by stating that Turkey's Tel Aviv Ambassador is to be announced in the upcoming days as Turkey has recently normalized its relations with Israel, after the Parliament approved an agreement concerning restoring relations on Saturday.

With regards to the Turkish diplomats who have been called back to the central office in Ankara under FETO investigations, Cavusoglu stated that 332 Foreign Ministry personnel have been either dismissed from duty or remain at the central office until investigations are finalized. He added that 31 personnel who were recalled to Turkey did not come back, and Turkey will continue initiatives for their extradition, while 89 personnel have been discharged from the Ministry after the coup attempt.

In his turn, Szijjarto underlined that "whoever attacks Turkey, attacks the security of the EU.

Touching upon the coup attempt, Szijjarto defined the coup attempt on July 15th as a terrorist attack and stated that there should not be any criticisms made to the Turkish government on their reactions following the coup attempt. He noted that he was disappointed by the criticisms made to Turkey.

Szijjarto further urged the EU states not to consider Turkey as a friend only due to the migration deal. He also underlined that it is harmful to criticize the reactions of the Turkish government.

Responding to Daily Sabah's question on Hungary's combat against Gulenists, Szijjarto informed that the Hungarian government began its investigations on those who are affiliated with the terror-cult as he assured that necessary steps would be taken once investigations are finalized.

[12] Turkey's YAS convened for the second time after the failed military coup attempt; 586 colonels retired

The Council's decisions were approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the same day.

Following the meeting, 584 colonels have been retired from the military while 434 colonels' service time has been extended by two years in a move to reduce the number of commissioned officers. This had long been recognized as more than necessary for the military. The retired officers include 470 army colonels, 71 from the navy and 45 air force colonels.

The service period for commissioned officers was also decreased to 28 years.

Several top ministers now have seats on the Council as a result of key reforms made in the wake of the foiled July 15 coup.

Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar, Deputy Prime Ministers Nurettin Canikli, Numan Kurtulmus, Mehmet Simsek, Tugrul Turkes, Veysi Kaynak; Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Interior Minister Efkan Ala, Defense Minister Fikri Is?k as well as commanders of the Turkish land, air and naval forces attended the meeting.

Under a statutory decree issued last month during Turkey's three-month state of emergency, which is ongoing, Deputy Prime Ministers as well as Foreign, Justice and Interior Ministers will now join the Prime Minister, chief of General Staff, Defense Minister, and other commanders in the Council meetings. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK /ICh)

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