Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-09-12

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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 the end of the Cyprus problem is near

[02] Akinci refers to the need for a "balance" between the EU values on the one hand and bi-zonality and bi-communality on the other

[03] Akinci briefed the Turkish political parties which are not represented in the "assembly" on the Cyprus negotiation

[04] Ankara wants timetable on visa-free travel to EU

[05] Ertugruloglu: The only acceptable guarantee is the one in which Turkey has the unilateral right to intervene if the need arise

[06] Durust stated that their goal is for the occupied Lefkonoiko airport to open for cargo transportation

[07] The Turkish Cypriot "chamber of industry" visited Germany

[08] Reactions over the approval of the occupied Keryneia "state planning decree"

[09] The number of students increased in the breakaway regime

[10] The director of the Turkish State Hydraulics Works: Turkey supplied 70% of the breakaway regime with clean potable water

[11] Internal crisis at the TDP; Emiroglulari to be discharged from his post

[12] World's Muslims celebrate Feast of Sacrifice

[13] Erdogan highlights determination to eradicate terror in Turkey with bayram message

[14] Turkey appoints Mayors to replace those tied to "terror"

[15] Journalist Ahmet Altan, academic Mehmet Altan detained

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that the end of the Cyprus problem is near

In a message on the occasion of the Feast of Sacrifice [Kurban Bayrami], Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" will "take the place they deserve in the new federal Cyprus as masters of their own house and as founding partner with their own founding state which will be equal to the people of south Cyprus".

"When the day comes, the [Turkish Cypriot people] will take their decision with their own will in a referendum for a peaceful and bright future", he added reiterating that they are seriously working to establish a united federal state having two founding states as a mutually accepted and fair solution. "I will hold the last meeting of the intensified negotiating process on 14 September the last day of the Feast, share the latest situation with our people and then depart from the island to New York for a while to hold some contacts", he noted.

Akinci argued:

"I want you to know on this feast day that we are approaching now to the end of the Turkish Cypriot people living deprived from their partnership rights in a recognized state and of being isolated from the world for years. [?] Now all our effort is to conclude the agreement to which both communities could say 'yes' in the referendum and it is true that we have achieved great progress in this direction. However, the process has not been completed yet. I believe that the remaining issues can also be concluded in realism and logic. In case we reach the stage of referendum, enough time will undoubtedly be given prior to the voting [?]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci refers to the need for a "balance" between the EU values on the one hand and bi-zonality and bi-communality on the other

Noting that the chapter of governance and power sharing had been discussed in the meeting, the paper writes that Akinci said that we have to be self-possessed but optimistic, because the process has "taken flesh and blood" and "we want to bring an agreement to the island by the end of this year". He alleged that there is absolutely no "serious" reason for not achieving an agreement if the Greek Cypriot side acts with realism and logic.

Akinci said that the convergences have increased, but there are "serious disagreements" on two issues, on which only an exchange of views has been made. He expressed the opinion that progress on these two issues could be achieved if these are discussed in a "different format".

Replying to a question, Akinci noted that the issue of the rotating presidency is not among the convergences and added that the disagreement on this issue continues to exist. Akinci described the rotating presidency as "an indispensable part of the political equality for the Turkish Cypriot side".

Asked on the issue of the four freedoms, Akinci referred to the joint declaration of the 11th of February 2014 and noted that the federation will have a bi-zonal and bi-communal character and will be based upon the founding principles of the EU, which will be protected and respected in the entire island. He argued that there is no disagreement on the issue that the federation will be consisted of two equal founding states and that it will be modern state member of the EU. He argued:

"That is, these issues are sometimes perceived as if the Turkish Cypriots are far from the EU values and that they are a community which does not accept the EU values. There is no such thing. We have nothing to be afraid from the freedoms".

What should be underlined, he claimed, is that a part of these freedoms on sensitive issues, such as the property, will be regulated from the founding state and will be bound to the criteria of this state. He argued that it is not possible for this right to be totally eliminated, but giving rights and competences to the founding state is important for the Turkish Cypriot side and necessary for the EU laws not pushing aside the bi-zonality and bi-communality, which are UN criteria, and for having a balance between the two.

Akinci alleged the following: "It is a different thing to come out and say that there is an agreement on the issue of the four freedoms and stop there and different to give details as regards the framework within which this will be. Sometimes only one part of this is said in the Greek Cypriot side. The second part which I have explained you in detail is not said and reactions in the Turkish Cypriot side are caused".

Referring to the last meeting of the intensified round of the Cyprus talks, Akinci said that there will be no announcement of a framework agreement on 14 September and that the leaders will only make an evaluation of the situation. There is no need for "unnecessary expectations" on this issue, he added.

Asked on the continuation of the summer time during the winter in the occupied area of the island after a similar decision taken in Turkey [contrary to what happens in all Europe], Akinci argued that this kind of problems will continue to exist as long as the Cyprus problem remains unsolved. "If you ask me, I do not wish for a different time to exist two steps further", he said and added: "When you think why this is necessary it is surely the result of the much more relations with Turkey comparing to the Greek Cypriot side. The airplanes come to us from only one place. The relation of these two sides in economy, from the stock market to the foreign exchange, the exchange rate have been unified so much that the government considered the implementation [of Turkey's] hour to be very natural. My preference is of course for us to have the same time in Cyprus where we will establish a federal structure. This is wiser. Because we are not a province of Turkey. We are a separate entity and we have as target a solution in Cyprus. However, I can see that this is a result of practical reasons. If we could have a different relation with the Greek Cypriot side, we would think much more for doing this".

Turkish Cypriots daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (11.09.16) refers to Akinci's statements under the title "Akinci: The four freedoms will not be unlimited".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci briefed the Turkish political parties which are not represented in the "assembly" on the Cyprus negotiation

Mustafa Akinci briefed representatives of political parties which do not have "seats" in the "parliament" on the negotiations process.

Members of the New Cyprus Party, Cyprus Socialists Party, United Cyprus Party, Peoples Party and Social Democrat Party attended the meeting.

"Presidential undersecretary" Gurdal Hudaoglu, Akinci's spokesman Baris Burcu and "special adviser for political affairs and general coordinator of technical committees" Meltem Samani accompanied Akinci during the meeting.

Speaking after the two hour meeting the leader of the Social Democrat Party Tozun Tunali said that it was the first time that such an invitation had been extended to political parties that do not have representation in "parliament" and said that he was very pleased with the developments.

'We can see that many positive developments have taken place at the Cyprus talks and we are on the right track. We fully support President Mustafa Akinci during this process' said Tunali.

A member of the central executive committee of the Peoples Party Sadik Ulker said that the meeting had been very fruitful and added that they supported a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem. He said that the information they received will be very useful.

Party assembly member of the New Cyprus Party Alpay Durduran for his part claimed that progress had not been made at the talks.

'There is no progress. Just details. Everything is overripe. The Cyprus issue has been discussed for many years, but it's just that it's being discussed. On other issues there have been some progress but if the sides don't come to an agreement on the real issues then a solution cannot be found' said Durduran.

The leader of the United Cyprus party Izzet Izcan also gave his view regarding the briefing. He said that they held a good meeting with the "president" and compared to previous years some developments and progress had been made at the talks.

'Despite important developments being made on some chapters, there are still many subjects that need to be discussed. We want a united federal Cyprus. We want a bi-zonal solution with political equality, a solution that protects the Turkish Cypriot people' said Izcan.

Mehmet Birinci from the Cyprus Socialist Party for his part said that some progress had been made at the talks but that the real problems that needed to be solved were in the hands of the imperialist superpowers and that serious efforts had not been made on this issue.

He said that at the end of October a 5 party meeting was being planned but how this meeting is to be held is not yet clear and added that even if the conference is realized he did not believe a solution is possible by the end of the year.

[04] Ankara wants timetable on visa-free travel to EU

Ankara proposed that the Council of Europe monitor Turkey's anti-terror law, which could pave the way for the implementation of a migrant deal that includes a readmission agreement in return for visa liberalization.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn made the highest-level EU visit to Turkey since the failed coup attempt to hold a political dialogue meeting between Ankara and Brussels.

"The key element which we agreed to was that we talk more to each other and a little bit less about each other, showing full respect," Mogherini said after talks with Cavusoglu and EU Minister Omer Celik.

Turkish and EU officials engaged in a war of words over the opening of chapters 23 and 24 of the accession process ? encompassing justice and rights and freedom and security ? as Celik accused some member states that said it would take years for Turkey to become a member of holding "double standards."

Celik recalled criticisms from the EU on the state of human rights and the freedom of press and called on the Union to discuss the issues in official platforms during the opening of the relevant negotiation chapters 23 and 24.

Noting that preparations were underway to open the chapters, Hahn referred "to the de facto blockage by Greek Cyprus on the opening of the chapters", and said a solution to the Cyprus problem could pave the way for the opening of the chapters.

Claiming that Cyprus and the EU negotiations were different topics for Ankara, Cavusoglu identified the position of the EU as a "weakness." Hahn, however, objected to the wording and said the situation was rather about the operation of EU institutions.

The Turkish government has also suggested that the Council of Europe monitor the implementation of Turkey's anti-terror law, but the union has yet to give a response, a Turkish official told the Hurriyet Daily News, adding that the issue would be discussed at a technical level.

If the EU agrees to an interim formula on the anti-terror law, which Turkey has refused to alter due to current security challenges, Ankara anticipates that visas will be liberalized in October, according to a Turkish official. The implementation of the deal would naturally be delayed until the end of the year since Turkey has not instituted the use of new passports, which is another criterion for visa liberalization, said the official.

Turkey and the EU earlier this year implemented a deal to stem the record flow of migrants to Europe in exchange for billions of euro in aid to Turkey and the lifting of short-term visa requirements on Turkish citizens in October.

But the EU has failed to change its visa rules, accusing Turkey of refusing to alter its draconian counter-terrorism laws to meet EU political criteria.

[05] Ertugruloglu: The only acceptable guarantee is the one in which Turkey has the unilateral right to intervene if the need arise

Despite thanking Akinci for his earlier statements that "a system of guarantees without Turkey was unacceptable for Turkish Cypriots", Ertugruloglu said that this itself was not enough and that there is a need to take the issue a step further.

He also underlined that the only guarantee that could be acceptable for Turkish Cypriots was one in which Turkey had the unilateral right to intervene if the need arise.

Alleging that it will not be possible to talk about the existence of guarantees if the necessary sensitivity is not shown on the issue, Ertugruloglu gave the example of the 1974 Turkish invasion within the context of the 1960 Republic agreement.

He claimed: "If Turkey had been able to intervene in Cyprus on the 20th of July 1974 this was because of her right to intervene which stemmed from the treaties of guarantees".

[06] Durust stated that their goal is for the occupied Lefkonoiko airport to open for cargo transportation

Durust stated also that they examine the possibility for the opening of the occupied Lefkonoiko airport for cargo transportation. "This is a very big and breathtaking project. It is into the agenda for the region to be declared a transit region. We should not underestimate this project", Durust argued, adding also that the "agreement" with the Turkish Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir who "owns" the occupied Lefkonoiko airport, has been renewed.

(AK)

[07] The Turkish Cypriot "chamber of industry" visited Germany

In Braunschweig the delegation visited the Physikallisch-technische Bundesanstait (PYB), one of the oldest institutes of meteorology, and met with the president of the institute's administrative council, Dr. John Stenger and the director of the Cooperation Department, Dr Marion Stoldt.

The Turkish Cypriot "chamber" asked visits to be organized to Leipzig with the aim of knowing closer the German chamber which allegedly wants to invest in the occupied area of Cyprus and of creating concrete projects. The delegation also met with Benjamin Leipold, regional chairman of the German Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and Dr Sara Borella, representative of Western and Central Europe. Information on the breakaway regime's economy was given during the meeting and fields in which cooperation between Turkish Cypriot and German companies could be made were examined, taking into consideration the geopolitical developments in the area and the solution process in Cyprus.

The Turkish Cypriot delegation met in Berlin with Dr Ahmet Bayraktar, general secretary of Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kerem Uygun, deputy general secretary of the same organization.

In all contacts, the Turkish Cypriot delegation briefed its interlocutors on the negotiating process for finding a solution in Cyprus and the stability and possibilities for investments in the area which a possible solution will offer. It also stressed the importance of the project of transferring water from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus which it described as "one of the most important opportunities for investment". During the meetings, fields in which German businessmen could invest in the occupied part of Cyprus were examined. According to the Turkish Cypriot "chamber", the German businessmen are especially interested on issues of renewable energy resources and infrastructure projects.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Reactions over the approval of the occupied Keryneia "state planning decree"

Commenting on the issue, Murat Kanatli, member of the executive board of the New Cyprus Party (YKP) argued that with the approval of the "decree", they have signed the death decree of the city. Kanatli added also that "behind this job is Serdar Denktas".

Also, Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), stated, inter alia, that behind this decision there is a promise which was given to a hotelier who wanted to build a septuplet hotel. He also said that with this decision they will murder and destroy the city of occupied Keryneia.

Also, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in a written statement condemned the "decree" and stated that its approval will not serve the public interest nor the development of the tourism sector.

Moreover, Zeki Celer, "deputy" with the Social Democratic Party (TDP) accused the so-called government for trying to serve the interests not of the Turkish Cypriot community but of certain circles.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (10.09.16) reports that the "Keryneia Initiative" has also expressed strong reaction over the approval of the "city planning decree" and condemned the "government" for not taking into consideration the reactions expressed by the "people". The "Keryneia Initiative" argued also that the "decree" will darken their future and will also "legalize" the illegal constructions.

The "Initiative" which was established by several persons and "organizations" which are against the "state planning decree" of the occupied Keryneia has announced that they are preparing to pursue a lawsuit at the "high administrative court".

(AK)

[09] The number of students increased in the breakaway regime

According to the paper, the foreign students bring 450 million dollars to the breakaway regime every year. The paper notes that every student brings 17,000 dollars per year in the breakaway regime distributing to the "TRNC economy".

Speaking to Kibris, the director of the "higher education and foreign relation bureau", Ziya Ozturkler, stated that importance must be given to the quality of education offered to foreign students rather than their number.

Reporting on the same issue, Afrika (12.09.16) writes that the number of the illegal universities increased from 12 to 14. It also reports that 12,500 from the breakaway regime and 55,000 students from Turkey study at the "universities". According to the paper, the students' number will increased from 85,000 to 90,000.

(CS)

[10] The director of the Turkish State Hydraulics Works: Turkey supplied 70% of the breakaway regime with clean potable water

The DSI General Director who is in the occupied area of Cyprus inspected ongoing construction work at the Water Treatment Facility being built within the framework of the "Water Transfer Project".

He then delivered a speech at the International Eurasian Engineering and Design Schools Festival being held in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

Speaking there Acu said that 70% of the "country" had been supplied with fresh potable water as a result of the "water transfer project".

He added that 19 of the 28 "municipalities" were being supplied with the water being pumped from Turkey via the underwater pipeline.

[11] Internal crisis at the TDP; Emiroglulari to be discharged from his post

According to the paper, Emiroglulari faces eight charges related with disobeying the rules of the chairman of the party, acting against the party's ideology, establishing an organization with persons who are not members of the party and other.

Speaking to the paper about this issue, Emiroglulari said that the latest decision taken by the party derives from "personal conflicts and problems" that exist within the party and argued that this stance will harm the party. Calling the party central committee to withdraw its decision, Emiroglulari added that the party behaves antidemocratically.

Also, commenting on the issue, Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the TDP confirmed that Emiroglulari faces charges for showing behaviors which are contrary to the party's bylaw and regulations. He added that the central committee of the party will convene in the next days to examine and take the final decision about Emiroglulari's final dismissal from the party.

Referring to the same issue under the front page title: "They declared war against Emiroglulari", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (12.09.16) reports that stressful days will come at the TDP party after the Kurban Bayram Feast since the final decision about Emiroglulari who was dispatched at the party's disciplinary council, will be announced.

In statements to the paper on the issue, the founding chairman of the TDP Mehmet Cakici expressed his distress and sorrow over this development and said that he feels sorry since he sees behaviors that exist especially in the right-wing party to appear in the TDP as well.

The paper adds that Emiroglulari has won the "elections" for the party's district chairmanship in occupied Famagusta with great difference and the decision to be discharged from his post has caused a lot of reactions in the occupied Trikomo region.

(AK)

[12] World's Muslims celebrate Feast of Sacrifice

The four-day celebration began on Sept. 12 in Turkey and most other countries with a predominantly Muslim population.

Large numbers of sacrificial animals including sheep, cows, goats and camels will be killed as part of the Feast of Sacrifice and their meat will be distributed to the poor as a religious tradition in Islam.

This year Turkey declared a nine-day public holiday starting from Sept. 10 for the Feast of Sacrifice.

[13] Erdogan highlights determination to eradicate terror in Turkey with bayram message

"We are determined to eradicate PKK terror from Turkey with the joint efforts of the security forces and hand in hand with the people. Just like [the Gulenist terror cult], FETO, the PKK also has no chance in standing against the nation's ability and the power of our state. The PKK's Syrian arm the Democratic Union Party and [its armed wing] People's Protection Units [PYD-YPG] also awaits the same fate," the President said in the statement released on Sunday, the eve of Qurban Bayram.

"We see that the PKK terror organization is in efforts to intensify its activities along the [southern] border regions," Erdogan said and added that the terror group's aim is to disrupt Turkey's operation in Syria, backing the Free Syrian Army (FSA), to eliminate DAESH from its southern borders. He also said that the PKK has been experiencing some of the heaviest losses in its history.

Speaking on Ankara's fight against DAESH, President Erdogan highlighted Ankara's determination to fight against the terror group and the efforts to eliminate this national security threat.

"It is a binding duty for us to eliminate the DAESH terror group from Syria, and make it unable to carry out attacks in Turkey. Operation Euphrates Shield is the first step. As a state and a nation, no one can stop us from doing what is necessary in eliminating terror groups, regardless of whoever is behind them," the President said.

In the message, the president also praised the people's power and resistance against the bloody coup attempt on July 15, which led by a faction of the military linked with the Gulenist terror cult, FETO.

"

[14] Turkey appoints Mayors to replace those tied to "terror"

The Mayors were suspended from duty over alleged ties to the PKK or the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) linked to the July 15 coup attempt, the Ministry said in a statement. Four of the removed Mayors are accused of ties to FETO with 24 said to support the PKK.

The Ministry said it was resuming control in municipalities that had "hijacked the national will and taxes".

The affected areas are mostly in the east and southeast of the country, including the provincial capitals Hakkari and Batman and districts within the provinces of Agri, Van, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Igdir, Mardin, Sanliurfa and Mus.

The decision was made by newly-appointed Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu under emergency powers passed in the wake of the attempted coup.

"With the mandate given us by state decrees, the administration of 28 municipalities will no longer be with terrorists or under instruction from Qandil but with nationals who embrace this flag with its crescent and star," Soylu said, referring to the PKK's base in Iraq's Qandil mountains and the Turkish flag.

[15] Journalist Ahmet Altan, academic Mehmet Altan detained

Announcing the detentions, Istanbul-based Platform for Independent Journalism (P24) said the reason for the detentions was "Altan brothers' statements on a TV show before the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkey."

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that the Altan brothers were detained because of the remarks they made on a program on Can Erzincan TV on July 14.

Ahmet Altan participated in the program hosted by Mehmet Altan, along with Nazli Ilicak who was arrested on July 29 on terrorism charges in the probe into the failed coup.

During the program, the suspects "gave subliminal messages suggesting a military coup," according to an official document sent to the police by the prosecutor's office.

The suspects in their remarks "threatened" the Turkish government and the president, and announced the coup attempt, the prosecutor said, adding that "[suspects] could not have known about the coup attempt and announce it to shape the public perception if they had not been a part of the terrorist organization before."

Ilicak's testimony will also be sought as part of the probe, Anadolu Agency said.

Ahmet Altan, a prominent novelist and former editor-in-chief of daily Taraf, is also on trial along with his colleagues for "leaking state secrets" for stories on an alleged coup plan by the Turkish military.

More than 100 journalists have been arrested since July 15 in the probe against followers of the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(CS /AM)

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