Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-09-19

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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 evaluated the Cyprus talks prior to his departure for New York

[02] Akinci: "The Greek Cypriot side may become neighbors with Turkey on the island if there is no solution"

[03] Burcu stated that the Annan plan is no longer applicable

[04] Tatar claimed that the "title deeds" given by the breakaway regime are valid

[05] The construction works for the Deryneia crossing point will be completed by January 2017

[06] A cooperation "agreement" on energy will be signed between "TRNC" and Turkey

[07] The breakaway regime is taking steps to attract tourists from Germany, Russia and Azerbaijan

[08] Data about "civil servants" and "state payments" in the breakaway regime

[09] Durust on the number of vehicles in the occupation regime

[10] Figures on the occupation regime's "imports and exports" with Turkey

[11] The occupation regime was represented in the Macfrut 2016 show in Italy

[12] Erdogan to address the UN General Assembly; He will hold a series of contacts

[13] Yildirim: "Turkey is aware of the games being played to destroy country"

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci evaluated the Cyprus talks prior to his departure for New York

In an interview to the illegal news agency TAK before his departure to New York, Akinci said: "No one is to claim that a deterrent measure is out of date, if the Turkish Cypriots, who cross to the south are being thrown stones by ELAM members, because they are recognized of their license plates, or if the working place of a Greek Cypriot merchant is being threatened because he exports Turkish Cypriot potatoes".

Reiterating that the Turkish Cypriots see their security in Turkey's guarantees, Akinci claimed that "since there is a risk then a deterrent arrangement is needed in order this risk not to be implemented for the continuation of the new structure in a secure way. The guarantee system should protect the new status that will be established and at the same time to have a deterrent effect to those who want to break it down".

Noting that the aim of the discussions at the negotiations is a federal solution and are not referring to a confederation or a unitary state, Akinci said that in case of a Cyprus settlement there will not be a superior-subordinate relationship between the Turkish Cypriot constituent (founding) state and the Greek Cypriot constituent (founding) state. Akinci explained that the current existing structures in the north and in the south will transform accordingly to the new conditions. He further said that the Turkish Cypriot constituent (founding) state and the Greek Cypriot constituent (founding) state will not appear from nowhere, adding that the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) will be converted to the Turkish Cypriot constituent (founding) sate for the new federal structure, no matter what they say.

Akinci further said that there is not an issue of fixing/locking the number of population, explaining that the issue which is discussed is the current number of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. He described the numbers 220 thousands and 800 thousands as the "mathematical expression" of these numbers.

Asked if someone will be able to live and work in the island without a citizenship, Akinci replied: "Of course, they will continue to live in the united federal Cyprus, member of the EU within legal arrangements and with working and residence permission. There is no data indicating that the need for labour force will be decreased at the new economy of Cyprus, in the contrary it will be increased".

Moreover, Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (19.09.16) under the front-page title: "United Cyprus" reports that after the detailed reports published in the Greek Cypriot press concerning the agreements reached at the Cyprus negotiation talks, Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci spoke at length this time.

According to the paper, Akinci claimed that the concepts of the "TRNC" as well as the concept of the Republic of Cyprus are not included in the negotiations. "There is a reference only to the new federal structure to be as 'United Cyprus'". "All the citizens of the TRNC who are registered at the 'civil registry department' of the ministry of interior, who have the TRNC's identity card, no matter of their origin, will become citizens of the federal Cyprus and automatically EU citizens, the day after the solution", Akinci said.

Furthermore, according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 19.09.16), Akinci also said that after the tripartite meeting in New York is completed and he has completed bilateral contacts, he will re-evaluate the situation and try to bring to life a five-party meeting.

"If we want to reach an agreement then everyone should understand that there is no point in delaying this. I have emphasized on many occasions the dangers that come with the Cyprus negotiations process being dragged into 2017", Akinci claimed.

He reminded that although important developments had been made on the first 4 chapters during the Cyprus negotiations process there are still some points of divergence but added that most of the topics that the Greek Cypriot side claim are still not completed and are only technical issues.

"It is vital that political issues and technical issues are not compared to one another. The drawing up of founding state constitutions and federal state laws can drag on into 2017 but we must facilitate a political solution by the end of 2016. In order to do this the Turkish Cypriot side, is determined to work intensively and has the will to do so", Akinci argued.

Upon being asked a question regarding whether a solution will be the continuation of the current Republic of Cyprus or a federal solution that removes the "TRNC", Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot founding state and the Greek Cypriot founding state will not be perfect.

"Communities, corporations and structures will evolve and change. Something that does not exist cannot appear and something that exists cannot disappear. A simultaneous referendum will be held on both sides leading to the establishment of the founding states and the federal states. Everyone knows that there are two functioning structures in the north and the south of the island and that in the future these will change and adapt. No matter what anyone says the TRNC will evolve into the Turkish Cypriot founding state", Akinci argued.

He further claimed that it was only inevitable that the new federal state to be formed will have to reapply to the European Union and United Nations for membership. He also alleged that the other factor which is inevitable is that all agreements made up until now on both sides of the island will continue to be valid as long as they are not against the constitution therefore if continuity is in question this applies to both the Greek Cypriot side and the Turkish Cypriot side.

Emphasizing the fact that there will be no superior subordinate relationship between the Turkish Cypriot founding state and the Greek Cypriot founding state, Akinci noted that with the establishment of the federal governments and the founding states this kind of a relation is out of question. He added that this is the characteristics of a federal structure.

Akinci also noted that apart from the powers noted in the constitution of the federal states the founding states will have full authority. He concluded his statement by saying that during the Cyprus negotiations process their aim is to find a federal solution.

(DPs / AK)

[02] Akinci: "The Greek Cypriot side may become neighbors with Turkey on the island if there is no solution"

Asked on whether he meant that the "Turkish Cypriot administration" would actually become a part of Turkey, Ak?nc? stated: "I cannot know how the structure would develop after many years. In case of no solution we would of course want for the continuation of the TRNC but the Greek Cypriot side should carefully think where the unrecognized state of northern Cyprus, embargoes and the deadlock that accompanies will lead the issue to:.

Citing the possible rise of agriculture due to the "water supply project" which carries water from Turkey's southern province of Mersin to the occupied area of Cyprus, Ak?nc? alleged that if a deal would not be reached, then the Greek Cypriots could become neighbors with Turkish citizens as Turkish people would possibly move to the Turkish Cypriot side due to the flourishing agriculture.

"If there is no resolution, then the Greek Cypriot side may become neighbors with Turkey on the island," said Ak?nc?.

Asked what is the difference between the Turkish-origin population (the settlers) and the Turkish Cypriot population, Akinci said that the difference is not very clear, since during the passing of time people get married and children are born. Asked by the journalist if 100,000 settlers were transferred from Turkey after 1974, he said that it is possible. Bu as he claimed, despite their origin, all the citizens of the "TRNC" will become citizens of the Federal Cyprus State and members of the European Union.

[03] Burcu stated that the Annan plan is no longer applicable

Burcu's remarks came in response to an earlier statement by the Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyannis that the Greek Cypriot side is demanding more territorial concessions than envisaged in the 2004 Annan plan.

Burcu who reminded that 12 years had passed since the Annan plan had been put to the vote on both sides of the island, argued that it is impossible to expect the same plan to be implemented today.

"Let alone giving away more territory than envisaged in the Annan plan, it's impossible to implement the plan under current conditions", Burcu claimed.

Pointing out that life has continued over the past 12 years, Burcu stressed that every day that passed in the absence of a settlement is working against efforts to reach a comprehensive solution on the island.

Burcu also pointed out that it is out of the question to improve the Annan plan so that it would address the concerns of only one of the two sides.

He further argued that any improvements to a similar plan must address the conditions of both sides.

[04] Tatar claimed that the "title deeds" given by the breakaway regime are valid

Tatar alleged that the Greek Cypriot side and the whole world should know that "Turkish Cypriots will not be thrown away from their soil, their land, their houses and gardens", as he said.

He also claimed that the "title deeds" given be the breakaway regimes are valid and that the "state" is totally supporting them.

Tatar further claimed that it is unacceptable to discuss the withdrawal of the Turkish army as well as Turkey's guarantees.

(CS)

[05] The construction works for the Deryneia crossing point will be completed by January 2017

According to calculations by the breakaway regime, the cost for the Deryneia crossing point will be 4 million 328 thousands TL.

(DPs)

[06] A cooperation "agreement" on energy will be signed between "TRNC" and Turkey

(DPs)

[07] The breakaway regime is taking steps to attract tourists from Germany, Russia and Azerbaijan

Speaking about the future of tourism in the breakaway regime, he stated that they start taking steps in order to attract tourists from Germany, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran. He also stated that they aim to reduce the price of the flight tickets in order to make the breakaway regime more attractive as a tourist destination.

(CS)

[08] Data about "civil servants" and "state payments" in the breakaway regime

According to the paper, 40,186 persons receive money from the breakaway regime in July 2015 while 40,505 persons receive money from the breakaway regime in July 2016.

The paper also reports that the number of "civil servants" is reduced to 15,444 in 2016 from 15,446 in 2015. However, the payments made by the "state" were increased from 90,993,958 Turkish Lira to 97,798,820 and Havadis notes that there was an increase of one million TL in payments in only one year.

(CS)

[09] Durust on the number of vehicles in the occupation regime

Durust added that the "government" will issue a "decree" for 90 days in order for the drivers with unregistered vehicles to renew their "road tax".

(AK)

[10] Figures on the occupation regime's "imports and exports" with Turkey

Also, according to the paper, Turkey's aid and contribution to the occupation regime's budget during the last 10 years has reached 10 billion TL, writes the paper and adds that this money were allocated for the security, investments, credits and incentive bonus.

(AK)

[11] The occupation regime was represented in the Macfrut 2016 show in Italy

Macfrut is a leading trade fair for professionals operating in the fruit and vegetable sector in Italy and in Europe.

Among the "companies" that took part in the fair was Cypruvex Ltd, Pergamos Agrictrade Ltd, Orli Investment and Property Ltd, the "Guzelyurt Artichoke Growers Association" and the "organic producers association".

The participating "firms" held contacts regarding citrus, potato, artichoke and other organic produce grown in the "TRNC".

The so-called minister of agriculture and natural resources Naz?m Cavusoglu who also attended the opening of the fair visited the "TRNC" stand with the "TRNC's representative" in Rome Oktay Ozturk.

[12] Erdogan to address the UN General Assembly; He will hold a series of contacts

During the bilateral meetings, the Syrian war, migration crisis and fighting against terrorism will be discussed. Erdogan will also explain to the leaders about the failed 15 July coup and the threat of the Gulenist terror group (FETO).

Erdogan will attend the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and take part in the general debate titled: "The Sustainable Development Goals: A Universal Push to Transform Our World" on September 20.

According to reports, Erdogan is expected to attend the program on the occasion of the first anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the summit for refugees and migrants on September 19, which aims to address the movement of refugees and unite countries behind a more organized and humane approach to the refugee issue.

At the summit, Erdogan will reportedly give a speech focusing on humanitarian crises and Turkey's active humanitarian approach in general and highlight the country's responsibilities in particular.

Erdogan is also expected to attend the working lunch organized by UNSG Ban Ki-moon, as well as the reception hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Erdogan will also hold talks with leaders of other countries and meet with business groups, in addition to Muslim and Turkish community figures in the U.S.

[13] Yildirim: "Turkey is aware of the games being played to destroy country"

Talking to the media following his visit to families of extremist attack victims in Turkey's eastern Agri province, Yildirim said: "The same games" being played right now in Syria and Iraq were also being played out in Turkey. "We are aware of these plans. They are trying to play the same game in Turkey that is being played right now in Iraq and Syria to destroy nations and countries."

Yildirim added those who make such plans in Turkey are at "the wrong address".

"Operations against this cowardly extremist group [PKK] will continue until attacks against our gendarmerie, police and rural guards are completely over," Yildirim said, adding that their country has been putting up with this bitter struggle against extremism for many years.

Yildirim also said that the operations against the PKK extremist group will continue "until our citizens' security is ensured 100%". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK /AM)

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