Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-09-09

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] Akinci reiterates that the target in the Cyprus talks is a five-party conference in October

[02] Akinci met with UK Minister Duncan

[03] Resumption of potatoes transfer to the government-controlled area of the Republic

[04] The occupation regime follows Turkey's decision as regards the continuation of the summer time

[05] CTP "deputy" strongly criticizes the granting of "citizenships

[06] The controversial "city planning decree" for occupied Keryneia area was signed

[07] The Director of the Commonwealth Bank Australia alleged that Australian businessmen want to invest in the occupied area of Cyprus

[08] Ankara, EU to hold first high-level meeting since Turkey's coup attempt

[09] Erdogan, Putin agree to push for Aleppo cease-fire

[10] Turkish officials met with Saudi foreign minister in Ankara

[11] Turkey allows German MPs to visit Incirlik after row

[12] Turkey's opposition party MHP expels ex-deputy

[13] Trustees appointed to two southeastern municipalities

[14] Construction of the new "state hospital" in the occupied part of Lefkosia is launched

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci reiterates that the target in the Cyprus talks is a five-party conference in October

Drawing attention to the current stage of the negotiations for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, Akinci said that the non-solution should not last even for another eight months. Noting that no problem could last forever, Akinci argued that problems which have been created for this or that reason are solved one day and added: "The Cyprus problem is unsolved for many years. The negotiations have been going on for 48 years. The negotiations should not continue for another 48 years, not even for one year or eight months".

Akinci argued that everyone should offer the necessary contribution to finding a solution by the end of 2016 and alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are sincerely exerting efforts in this direction.

Reiterating that they are carrying out the negotiating process in a "close relation and dialogue with Turkey", Akinci alleged:

"There is nothing unilateral in life. Solution is also bilateral. Mutual agreement, the understanding of justice requires this. It is absolutely necessary to ensure this so that the system which we will establish is not spoiled. I hope that we will see the same stance and approach, a realistic and reasonable approach from the south as well. Because we have been and will continue to be on this line. While protecting our rights until the end, we will, of course, not ignore the rights of the other community".

Claiming that it is important for Greece to exert the same support and contribution to the solution process as Turkey, Akinci recalled that the meeting with the UNSG in New York on 26 September is important.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci met with UK Minister Duncan

The latest developments in the Cyprus negotiations process were discussed at the meeting held at the "presidential palace".

Also present at the meeting were the "coordinator for the technical committees" Meltem Samani and the "presidential advisor for diplomatic affairs" Erhan Ercin.

Akinci also held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Lefkosia Kathleen Doherty. The Cyprus negotiations process topped the agenda of the meeting.

No statements were issued before or after the meetings.

[03] Resumption of potatoes transfer to the government-controlled area of the Republic

The crossing of potatoes was stopped due to some problems caused by attacks of some fanatic persons in the "south" to the producers and a lot of tension was created in both sides.

According to paper's reliable sources, this issue was discussed by the leaders in the previous day during their meeting, where the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci briefed President Anastasiades regarding the issue. Anastasiades had no reservations for the potatoes to cross from "north" to "south" as part of the Green Line Regulation. After this process, "potatoes' export problem" was ended. It is also reported that Anastasiades reassured that the producers will be able to get the potatoes without any problem.

One hundred fifty tons of potatoes crossed from "north" to "south" and due to the problems 550 tons have remained.

Ragip Ratip, "director of the soil products institution" (TUK) announced that this year around to 900 tons of potatoes will be "exported" to the "south".

(DPs)

[04] The occupation regime follows Turkey's decision as regards the continuation of the summer time

With this decision, announced by "prime minister" Huseyin Ozgurgun, there will be one hour difference between the occupied and the government-controlled area of the island, writes that paper noting that the hour in the government controlled area will be one hour back comparing to the occupied area.

Under the title "One island two times", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (09.09.16) points out that "after the territory and the population, there will be a division in Cyprus' time" and notes that this is the first time in Cyprus history that time is divided in two. "The watches will not be taken one hour back on 30 October like every year", writes the paper, adding that "it is alleged that the practice is implemented in Turkey for coinciding with the prayer hours in Saudi Arabia". "This is actually an issue, which the AKP has been bringing onto the agenda for years", adds Afrika.

(I/Ts.)

[05] CTP "deputy" strongly criticizes the granting of "citizenships

Ulcay, who criticized the "government" on the issue, stated that an end must be given to this practice now. He went on and said that his party has prepared a "draft law" on the issue but it has not been discussed at the "assembly" yet.

He also accused the "government" of trying to create a negative atmosphere with this issue at a time that the Cyprus negotiations appear to have a positive progress not seen in years.

(CS)

[06] The controversial "city planning decree" for occupied Keryneia area was signed

The first reaction came from the leader of the People Party (HP) Kudret Ozersay. In his personal social media account wrote that the "government" once more proved that it plunders everything despite the reaction of the people.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (09.09.16) reports that when the paper asked the self-styled minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu to comment on this decision, he replied: "I was abroad, ask better the director of the city planning department".

(DPs)

[07] The Director of the Commonwealth Bank Australia alleged that Australian businessmen want to invest in the occupied area of Cyprus

(DPs)

[08] Ankara, EU to hold first high-level meeting since Turkey's coup attempt

"The Turkey-EU Ministerial Political Dialogue Meeting will be held on Sept. 9, 2016 in Ankara with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik, and from the EU side, Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, and Mr. Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations," read a Foreign Ministry statement on Sept 8.

It recalled that this will be the first Political Dialogue Meeting held at ministerial level since the coup attempt.

"During the meeting, the state of Turkey's accession negotiations, Turkey-EU cooperation in the fields of energy, economy and trade, as well as the latest developments concerning migration and the visa liberalization process will be discussed. The parties will also exchange views on recent developments regarding regional issues and cooperation on fight against terrorism," the statement added.

A joint press conference is expected to be held after the talks.

[09] Erdogan, Putin agree to push for Aleppo cease-fire

The two leaders discussed Turkish-Russia bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in Syria during a telephone call, according to a presidential source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions of speaking to the media.

Erdogan stressed the importance of implementing a cease-fire as soon as possible in the rebel-held northern city that is under a devastating siege.

The pair also discussed Operation Euphrates Shield launched late last month by Turkey and agreed on the importance of eliminating Daesh and other terror groups along the Turkish border -- the stated goal of the operation in northern Syria.

Erdogan said the original residents of Jarabulus and al-Rai have already begun to return from Turkey.

Economic ties between Turkey and Russia were also discussed, including energy sector cooperation, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant and Turkish Stream projects, as well as the re-launch of charter flights between the two countries.

Erdogan and Putin conveyed that they are pleased with the pace of the normalization process between Turkey and Russia after a brief seven-month hiatus that began late last year and, the ability of the leaders to quickly sort out issues during meetings in St Petersburg and China, the source added.

[10] Turkish officials met with Saudi foreign minister in Ankara

Yildirim thanked al-Jubeir for Saudi Arabia's support and solidarity in the wake of the July 15 foiled coup, said the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. Al-Jubeir stressed that his country would continue to cooperate with Turkey in fighting terrorism as well as regional issues, the sources added.

Earlier in the day, al-Jubeir and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a joint news conference in Ankara.

Cavusoglu has dismissed the possibility of a transition process in Syria including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, adding operations conducted by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) should continue towards the south of the country and that the Manbij area "should be cleared of terrorists."

Cavusoglu said chaos in Syria would continue if al-Assad remained in power during the transition process, as he was responsible for "killing of 600,000 Syrians; even yesterday he used chlorine gas."

Cavusoglu also stressed the Syrian opposition's military operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) should continue towards the south of the country, adding the Manbij area should be closed to the group and "cleared of terrorists."

[11] Turkey allows German MPs to visit Incirlik after row

"We have given permission to German parliamentarians to visit Incirlik since German authorities have met our expectations with a statement that the bill on the so-called genocide is not legally binding," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sept. 8, during a press conference with visiting Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.

Strained relations between Ankara and Berlin due to the Armenian bill worsened after Turkey rejected a German parliamentary delegation's visit in late June to Incirlik Air Base, which hosts 250 German troops, six surveillance jets and a refueling tanker.

Berlin had threatened the removal of its military presence at the base to another regional country in response. The German troops and jets at Incirlik contribute to the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria.

Hours before Cavusoglu's statement, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had said in Berlin that they had agreed with Turkey for the lawmakers' visit.

"I welcome the fact the Turkish government has now approved the plans for a visit by the defense committee of the German Parliament" to Incirlik, said Steinmeier.

[12] Turkey's opposition party MHP expels ex-deputy

According to a statement issued by Halil Ozturk, chairman of the party's disciplinary committee, Aksener, who is said to be a vocal critic of the party's leadership, had been expelled after being accused of breaking certain provisions of the party's constitution regarding cooperation, communication and mutual respect among party insiders.

Discharge proceedings against the former deputy and three other MHP members had been sent to the disciplinary committee on Aug. 16.

Ozturk said the committee would decide the fate of the other three members later, the statement added.

Aksener reacted to the developments with her own statement, saying the decision to expel her "is null and void" in her eyes and she vowed to appeal the decision in court. She said the decision taken by "a management whose legitimacy is questionable has no consideration in Turkish people's conscience."

[13] Trustees appointed to two southeastern municipalities

The authority to appoint trustees to municipalities was introduced with a state of emergency decree.

The trustees were appointed to municipalities from district Governors, with Murat Kutuk appointed to Silvan and Dr. Memduh Tura appointed to Sur.

New appointments will be made for nine members of the provincial assembly, Anadolu Agency reported.

Complaints were filed against Sur Mayor Seyid Narin and Silvan Mayor Yuksel Bodakci over "declaring self-rule" in the districts and their trials were continuing in Diyarbakir Fifth Heavy Penal Court.

Narin is facing aggravated life imprisonment over "harming the unity of the state and integrity of the country."

Aggravated life imprisonment is also sought for Bodakci, as well as up to five years in prison for "making propaganda for a terrorist organization."

Meanwhile, the official website of the Sur Municipality couldn't be reached when the decision to appoint trustees was announced.

The controversial issue regarding the appointment of trustees to municipalities was passed amid the state of emergency decrees. The appointment of trustees to municipalities was made possible if Mayors, Deputy Mayors or members of the municipal council were suspended on terror charges, according to the decree.

The aforementioned regulation regarding trustee appointments had been previously included in an omnibus bill in Parliament, but was later removed due to the opposition's reaction.

[14] Construction of the new "state hospital" in the occupied part of Lefkosia is launched.

According to the paper, self-styled minister of health Faiz Sucuoglu stated that the inauguration stone for the new hospital will be set during the first three months of 2017.

Sucuoglu, who estimated the cost of the project to 350 million Turkish Lira, also said that it will be the second biggest project in the breakaway regime, following the water transfer from Turkey.

(CS) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(CS /AM)

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