Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-10-10

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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 commented on the reactions for Antigone production

[02] Burcu slams Archbishop Chrysostomos' statements

[03] Akinci: "There is no intention to sign an interim agreement

[04] Kibris: The "founding state" will be able to sign international agreements without the approval of the "federal foreign ministry"

[05] Turkish Deputy PM Kaynak: Cyprus is special for Turkey and the Turkish people

[06] Turkey and "TRNC" to sign undersea electricity deal

[07] Atun argues that with the "electricity agreement", the occupation regime is "de facto joining the global energy equation"

[08] The "Turkish Cypriot union of workers of electricity authority" chairman argues that transferring of electricity from Turkey may not be feasible

[09] "If there is no solution, there is no gas also"

[10] Akinci: There are three important conditions which needed to be met in order for a settlement to be reached

[11] Denktas stated that if no solution is reached by the end of 2016, the Turkish Cypriot side should proceed to a referendum to decide about the future of the negotiation process

[12] Berova called for support and solidarity with the OIC member countries

[13] Yildirim: "We did not forget the embargoes we faced during the 1970s"

[14] Agreement on Turkish gas pipeline 'nearly completed'

[15] Nine areas in SE Turkey declared 'special security zone'

[16] DEIK intensifies efforts in Brussels following the failed coup attempt

[17] Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus met with Atalay

[18] Ataoglu promoted the occupation regime's tourism in the city of Tabriz in Iran

[19] The illegal YDU produces the first electrical automobile

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci commented on the reactions for Antigone production

Akinci who made these statements during the sidelines of the International Cyprus Rally, said that those who react and make these conversations are those who do not want the two communities in Cyprus to do things together or to find a solution and have common theatre productions.

He went on and stated that despite all these reactions, and the negative climate that was created thousands of people went to Salamina and watched the play. "It is very sad and thought-provoking that these kind of conversations are taking place, but we are aware of this mentality", he stated, adding that the only solution that can be reached in Cyprus is a federal solution. He also said that without the two communities approaching each other, without culture influence between them and cooperation you cannot create the culture for a federal solution.

Referring to the International Cyprus Rally, Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriots are extremely interested to it. Apart of the people loving this sport, the Turkish Cypriots like the rally because they were kept away from such international events in the past, he said adding that this is one of the results of the "embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriots".

(CS)

[02] Burcu slams Archbishop Chrysostomos' statements

In a written statement issued today, Burcu said that the "rejectionist camp" on the Greek Cypriot side is strongly opposed in principle to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal settlement on the island.

He argued that the Greek Cypriot rejectionists were using every opportunity to poison the political atmosphere.

Further arguing that the ultimate goal of the "rejectionist camp" in the south, as he called the Republic of Cyprus is to achieve a unitary state under the dominance of Greek Cypriots; Burcu added that it is clear that they deemed it proper that Turkish Cypriots should retain minority rights.

"In fact the bi-zonal, bi-communal federal character of a reunified Cyprus has been one of the most basic principles agreed upon in the negotiations conducted all these years under the auspices of the United Nations" he said, adding that a settlement could not be possible through such an understanding.

Referring to the latest remarks by Archbishop Chrysostomos II that there should be no insistence on the system of a rotating presidency for a settlement in Cyprus, Burcu said that Archbishop had once again demonstrated that he is a religious figure who supported the division of the island.

"We would like to remind him that a settlement on the island will be reached on the basis of the 11 February 2014 Joint Declaration which clearly emphasizes and underlines the political equality of the two sides. That is why a settlement within the framework envisaged by Mr. Chrysostomos will never take place" Burcu said.

He also criticized President Nicos Anastasiades of frequently touching upon the territory issue during his speeches and naming places or locations in the process. "No names, locations, percentages or maps have been discussed to this day. If the Greek Cypriot side believes it can obtain an advantage by naming places before we start to discuss this issue then it is greatly mistaken" Burcu added.

Reminding that 12 years had passed since the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, Burcu alleged that many changes had taken place in terms of territory during this time period. "We expect Mr. Anastasiades to understand that such unnecessary statements that ignore the realities on the island and which are shaped by the demands of the rejectionists will not contribute to a settlement", Burcu claimed.

[03] Akinci: "There is no intention to sign an interim agreement

Explaining that they will meet together again on the 13th of October, Akinci said that he would be flying to Istanbul on Sunday the 9th of October to take part in an international conference regarding energy.

Making a statement regarding an interim deal that has appeared in newspapers in the "south of the island" (editor's note: the Greek Cypriot media), Akinci said: "We are faithful to the concept of the overall solution. There is no desire or intention to sign an interim agreement that contains only a few points".

He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side is staying loyal to the 11th of February agreement signed between the two sides.

"We have no intention for an interim agreement. We are trying to complete out workings on the four chapters in October. If an agreement is reached on Territory, Security and Guarantees then the solutions political framework will emerge", Akinci added.

Emphasizing once again that technical issues and other details can be written up in 2017, Akinci said: "Like I have mentioned many times before, if no obstacles emerge and everything goes as planned, once technical issues are taken care of then the sides can interiorise the issue and go to a referendum in the middle of 2017".

[04] Kibris: The "founding state" will be able to sign international agreements without the approval of the "federal foreign ministry"

Moreover, if the "founding state" wishes so, it can ask the "federal ministry of foreign affairs" to get into action for the preparation of the [international] agreement.

According to the paper's sources, it has been agreed that the "founding states" will have the right to make international agreements with foreign states and international organizations on issues which concern the fields of their powers, such as art, education, sports, culture, tourism, economy, investments, economic aid and trade. The "founding states" will inform the federal government, which will be able to oppose to making international agreements in special cases, such as, for example, in case of an agreement with a state which united federal Cyprus does not recognize or agreements which are contrary to united federal Cyprus' foreign policy.

Furthermore, if important elements which influence the "founding states" are included in the international agreement, which the federal government will make, the "founding states" will be informed by the federal government during the preparation of the agreement and their views will be asked.

International agreements which mainly influence the "founding states" could not be finalized without the approval of the "Common Committee on Foreign Relations", in which the "founding states" will equally participate.

The "founding states" will directly be discussing with the foreign states with which they will make an agreement and they will inform the "federal ministry of foreign affairs" during the procedure.

According to the information obtained by Kibris, in the Annan Plan, the competence of the "founding states" to make international agreements had been limited to the fields of culture and trade, while now the scope of the issues on which the "founding states" will be able to make international agreements is broadened and left open for further development.

Furthermore, in the Annan Plan no reference had been made to making agreements between the "founding states" and international organizations. While in the Annan Plan, the "founding states" were able to act only through the "federal ministry of foreign affairs" for making agreements with foreign states, now the "founding states" will have the competence to make agreements with states, sub-units of states and international organizations on all issues which are included in their powers, only by informing the "federal ministry of foreign affairs".

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish Deputy PM Kaynak: Cyprus is special for Turkey and the Turkish people

Speaking during his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, Kaynak said that Cyprus is special for Turkey and the Turkish people and argued that it is Turkey's desire to see a settlement in Cyprus.

For his part, Akinci highlighted the importance of the relationship and collaboration that exists between the two "countries".

Claiming that the Cyprus talks have been going on for the past 48 years, Akinci expressed the view that the Cyprus problem had reached its saturation point. He further said that the process must be completed by the end of this year.

"This is our desire that Turkey shares with us. The Greek Cypriot side and the UN are also stating this desire. The important thing is to put this desire into action. We shall see whether we will be successful. So we are working for a solution with a cautiously optimistic stance. We are seeking to guarantee the principles of political equality and security. A solution that does not safeguard these principles will not be a viable one" he said.

Akinci repeated the view that a settlement will be beneficial for the entire region, opening prospects for new partnerships and cooperation in the field of energy, water resources and hydrocarbons discovered in the region.

Akinci also highlighted the importance of the water transfer project for the economy of the "TRNC", reminding that Turkey has offered to share this water with the "South" (editor's note: the government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus) in the event of a settlement.

As part of his contacts, Kaynak will also attend the opening of the Hala Sultan Symposium being held at the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University.

On the same issue, "BRT" (online, 08.10.16) broadcast that Kaynak met with "state" and "government officials" and discussed a variety of issues.

During his meeting with self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, Kaynak said that the Turkish Vak?flar Generla directorate has its own responsibilities and that they are working so that Cyprus' artefacts and monuments could once again be regained by the Turkish Cypriot people.

Ozgurgun, for his part, touched upon the Cyprus issue by saying that although there is a different and complicated situation on the island this does not mean that no development or investments could be made in the "country" on the contrary they are working for the prosperity of the people.

Pointing to the importance of the relations with Turkey, Ozgurgun said that "there is very rooted Ottoman-Turkish heritage on the island. What has been established on the lands of the TRNC is very important".

He also alleged that it's not important for the world to recognise the state that is established but the strength and foundation on which that state is established, is what's important.

[06] Turkey and "TRNC" to sign undersea electricity deal

The deal will be signed by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak and self-styled economy and energy minister Sunat Atun on the side-lines of the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul on Monday. The details, including the route, the length and the cost of the project, will be discussed by a consortium of experts later on. The framework agreement will help the "TRNC" connect with European interconnection of electricity systems in the future, making this the first step, according to official sources.

"The TRNC's energy need grows day by day, and this project with Turkey will allow us to meet the electricity demand problem more flexibly," said Atun in a recent statement. "In the forthcoming days, we will meet and work with the Turkish Energy Minister on a protocol to bring electricity to the TRNC from Turkey via an undersea cable. The protocol will include a recycling agreement, meaning that extra electricity produced in the TRNC will be sold to Turkey in the same way," he added.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 10.10.16) reports that Albayrak, speaking during a press conference in Istanbul as the 23rd World Energy Congress kicks off, stressed that the congress will not only address opportunities and cooperation in the field of energy but also contribute to regional stability. The congress will bring together four government leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura, along with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. Minister Albayrak said the congress will host more than 250 ministers and CEOs. The 23rd World Energy Congress will be held on Oct. 9-13 with the participation of key figures in policymaking and 265 speakers from 82 countries in more than 60 meetings.

Speaking at a press conference Sunday, Minister Albayrak said, "We are to discuss current projects and possible cooperation opportunities with participants from around the world. It [referring to the congress] is to provide a very positive synergy." Underlining that the theme of the congress is "sharing for peace," Minister Albayrak also said that global shareholders are to provide significant contributions and comprehensive solutions to problems, saying, "[The congress will] not only address current issues regarding the energy sector but also provide an in-depth analysis regarding politics and international relations."

[07] Atun argues that with the "electricity agreement", the occupation regime is "de facto joining the global energy equation"

In statements to the paper prior to his departure to Istanbul to participate in the Global Energy Congress at the sidelines of which Turkey and the regime will sign the aforementioned "electricity cooperation agreement", Atun underlined the global and regional importance of the "agreement" and argued: "With this signature we will also be connected to the EU central system in interconnection with Turkey. This is a global step. Moreover, we will increase our potential in the renewable energy. While south Cyprus is desperately trying to connect with Israel and Greece, we have even delayed a lot for being connected with Turkey in which electricity is 13 kurus [Translator's note: The kurus is the one hundredth of the Turkish lira] and which is in a distance of fifty kilometers".

According to Atun, after the "cooperation agreement", they will make the detailed agreement of the project by establishing a "joint working group" and materialize the electricity project speedily. Atun said that they will take part in other energy connections which might be developed in the area in which they are interconnected and this shows that the breakaway regime exists in the "global energy equation".

Atun noted that the electricity which they consume today in the occupied area of Cyprus is expensive as the cost rises to 60 kurus, mainly because they insist on using fuel oil in their power plants. Noting that the price of electricity in Turkey is 13 kurus and that in the occupied area of Cyprus they consume 1,5 billion kilowatts of electricity, Atun argued that no one can allege that the project of transferring electricity from Turkey is not feasible.

(I/Ts.)

[08] The "Turkish Cypriot union of workers of electricity authority" chairman argues that transferring of electricity from Turkey may not be feasible

Oksuzoglu, who issued a written statement, referred to the water transferred project and said that the agreements regarding the price of the water as well as its administration were discussed behind closed doors. Due to this he said, "people" had to pay ten times the real price of the water compared to the past. "The same thing can happen regarding electricity", he warned.

(CS)

[09] "If there is no solution, there is no gas also"

The report, which is prepared by Amos Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator on International Energy Affairs at the US State Department, notes that problems will most probably be created in the development of hydrocarbon recourses in the entire Eastern Mediterranean, if the Cyprus problem remains unsolved.

Addressing the relevant sub-committee of the House of Representatives, Hochstein said that he expects important discoveries to continue in the area, but the market expects some assurances that the historic political disagreements will not be put above the investments and development.

(I/Ts.)

[10] Akinci: There are three important conditions which must be met in order for a settlement to be reached

Speaking during the visit, Feyzioglu drew attention to the close relations with the "Cyprus Turkish Bar Association" and the collaboration carried out between the two institutions, and expressed his belief that the strategic partnership that exists between their two "countries" had a positive contribution to efforts to reach a settlement on the island.

Stating that they are following the negotiations in Cyprus closely, Feyzioglu expressed the hope that the current talks will result in a lasting solution of the Cyprus problem.

He however added that possible alternatives, should the negotiations fail to produce the desired result, should also be taken into consideration. "Some possible measures might be the lifting of customs and duties between the two countries" he claimed.

Akinci, for his part, said that he is following the Turkish Union of Bar Association's activities and statements in Turkey and added that the development of Turkey as a democratic, secular state guided by the rule of law will not only be beneficial for the Turkish nation but for Turkish Cypriots as well.

On the Cyprus problem, Akinci argued that Cyprus is unique in the sense that there is no other example in the world where a community which voted in favour of a settlement is excluded from international law due to the no vote of another community.

Noting that important progress has been achieved on the chapter on Governance and Power Sharing, Akici said there are three important conditions which needed to be met in order for a settlement to be reached. "Firstly none of the two communities should be able to dominate the other. The second is political equality. Political equality in the sense that the community which is smaller in numbers shall effectively participate in decision making. The third is security. The two communities will need to live in security", he said.

Akinci said that a settlement needs to be mutually acceptable and must address the concerns of both sides. Pointing out that the process is a difficult one, Akinci said that the people will have the final say in a referendum to be held at the end of the process.

"Achieving a double yes in a referendum is a difficult thing to achieve. This is what we are working for as the Turkish Cypriot side. Why? Because we believe a solution will be beneficial not only to Turkish and Greek Cypriots but for Turco-Greek relations and the entire region. Of course we shall not forget the discovery of hydrocarbons in the region and the creation of an energy corridor from Israel to Europe via Cyprus and Turkey" he said. He said that all these developments can be used to bolster cooperation in the region.

Feyzioglu met also with self-styled speaker of the parliament Sibel Siber and self-styled prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun.

Speaking during the meeting, Siber stressed that the Turkish Cypriot side desires a mutually acceptable solution model, which will safeguard the rights of both sides, which will be bi-zonal and bi-communal in character and which will ensure that one community is not dominated by the other.

"We desire a solution model that will make our people happy and live in peace forever" Siber said, however adding that this could not be possible with the will of the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots alone.

"We have two big problems, one of them is the Cyprus issue and the other is our domestic problems. Our will alone is not enough to solve the Cyprus issue but we have the will to solve our domestic problems. What we need to do is to revise our constitution and laws and introduce reforms" Siber said.

Expressing the need to establish a committee made up of independent legal experts who will work for the "state", she said she will come together and evaluate the issue with the "President of the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association".

For his part, Feyzioglu said that they were happy that the ongoing negotiations had reached a certain point and that there were steps needed to be taken by the Turkish side for the success of the talks as well as to achieve a positive result from a referendum.

He also stressed that Turkey and the "TRNC" should already determine their positions and even prepare for alternative scenarios in case of a no vote from the Greek Cypriot side

[11] Denktas stated that if no solution is reached by the end of 2016, the Turkish Cypriot side should proceed to a referendum to decide about the future of the negotiation process

Denktas, stated, inter alia, that if no solution is reached on the Cyprus problem by the end of 2016, then the Turkish Cypriot side should carry out a referendum in order to decide "whether the negotiation talks will continue or not".

Supporting that the Turkish Cypriots live in uncertainty for 48 years, Denktas stressed the need for this to come to an end. He further described as positive the fact that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci had set as a deadline the end of 2016 and pointed out that he personally believes that the negotiation process will proceed with the peacemaking of the UN and with a referendum possibly to take place on March or April 2017.

Denktas added further the following: "My opinion is that the UN will carry out arbitration and an agreement will be signed. We will probably hold a referendum on March or April 2017. However, if an agreement is not reached by the end of 2016, we should then proceed to a referendum in order 'no to return again to the negotiating table'. And this because the most important obstacle we have is the uncertainty. This uncertainty derives from the fact that we are sitting at the table for 48 years. This should come to an end.", Denktas argued.

Recalling that during the Anan plan referendum in 2004 the DP has called its voters to vote according to their will, Denktas stated that in 2004 the situation was different and added that if a plan comes up today, they would not follow the same decision. "[…] If a plan comes up today, we will say either yes or no", Denktas said, adding that he considers that the Greek Cypriots will again reject a possible solution plan.

(…)

[12] Berova called for support and solidarity with the OIC member countries

Addressing the conference, Berova representing the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) at the meeting, said that "member countries of the OIC, within the framework of decisions and declarations issued by the Organization, have taken steps with the aim of lessening the effects of the unjust embargoes imposed against the Turkish Cypriot people".

Unfortunately due to the time it takes for the decisions and the declarations to be implemented, it has not reached the desired level claimed Berova, adding that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are constantly feeling the heavy weight of the embargoes throughout all of their lives.

He said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are in dire need of the support and solidarity of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. "As a member that has an observer status at the OIC, we are always ready to contribute in all fields including youth and sports. In order for our youth to be able to take part in sporting activities we are calling for support and solidarity with the OIC member countries", Berova said.

[13] Yildirim: "We did not forget the embargoes we faced during the 1970s"

Speaking at a launch ceremony for the logistics support vessel TCG Lieutenant Gungor Durmus in Istanbul, Yildirim said Turkey had advanced to a level where not only could it meet its needs, but it could also satisfy its allies thanks to a $35 billion investment in the defence industry.

"We will not settle with this," Yildirim said. "We did not forget the embargoes we faced during the 1970s, during the Cyprus Peace Operation (editor's note: he refers to the Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 1974".

After the "Turkish operation ended", the U.S. imposed an arms embargo on Turkey, the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Yildirim added that Turkey started investing on defence since the 1980s and "covered a lot of ground since then to become nationalized".

Yildirim also addressed the July 15 coup attempt, saying Turkey's army had "lost its reputation unjustly".

[14] Agreement on Turkish gas pipeline 'nearly completed'

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency ahead of the World Energy Congress, which opened Sunday, Novak said that the wording of the Turkish Stream intergovernmental agreement had largely been agreed. "All of us aim to finalize the works on this intergovernmental agreement right by the meeting of President Putin and President Erdogan on the side-lines of the World Energy Congress," Novak said.

The project, announced by Putin during a December 2014 visit to Turkey, will carry gas from Russia under the Black Sea to Turkish Thrace. One line, with a 15.75 billion cubic meters capacity, is expected to supply the Turkish market with a second carrying gas to Europe.

"The Turkish Stream is a very important project that will allow Turkey to get natural gas directly, avoiding transit countries, and also to get additional volumes of natural gas, which would drive the further development of Turkey's economic growth," Novak said.

Last month, Gazprom said construction could start by the end of 2017 if an intergovernmental agreement was signed in October, with the goal of completing the pipeline by 2019.

Novak praised the constructive approach to the talks by both sides.

Turkey, which is the second biggest consumer of Russian gas after Germany, imports around 30 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia annually via two pipelines -- the Blue Stream, which passes under the eastern Black Sea, and the Western Line through the Balkans.

It is hoped the new pipeline will bring gas price discounts for Turkish customers. Under current agreements between the Turkish BOTAS pipeline corporation and Gazprom, both sides have the right to ask for price revisions.

Around the time Putin announced the Turkish Stream, Russia announced a 10.25% discount rate that was never implemented. BOTAS later took the issue to a court of arbitration.

"The issues related to gas pricing and bringing amendments into the agreements reached on the gas pricing are stipulated by the relevant contracts," Novak said, adding that he believed both sides would reach mutually beneficial terms.

Turning to another energy project, Novak highlighted the importance of the Akkuyu nuclear plant, which will be Turkey's first nuclear power station.

The plant, in the southern province of Mersin, was indicative of the "future strategic cooperation between Russia and Turkey," he added.

A 2010 agreement paved the way for the plant's construction and operation by Russia's Rosatom. It is expected the station will generate around 35 billion kilowatt-hours a year and cost around $20 billion.

Novak said 30-40% of investment in the project was being obtained by Turkish companies.

"We hope that this project is going to get the status of strategic investment, which would facilitate the launching of the construction of this power plant, accelerate its return of investment and bring the additional income for the budget and the economy of Turkey," he said.

The Minister said Moscow hoped to exceed trade levels that existed with Turkey before the jet crisis, which was resolved in June. In the first eight months of the year, trade fell by 40 percent, he said.

[15] Nine areas in SE Turkey declared 'special security zone'

According to the Sirnak governorate's statement, the decision aims to ensure public order for the next 15 days.

The coordinates of these areas were shared on the governor's official website.

Meanwhile, an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated Sunday outside a gendarmerie station in southeast Turkey, killing 18 people.

Following the attack at around 9.45 a.m. local time (0645GMT) in Semdinli, Hakkari province, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said eight civilians died and 10 soldiers were martyred.

"A pick-up made a suicide rush with five tons of explosives in it," he said at a news conference in Istanbul.

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff blamed the attack on the PKK terrorist organization. Hakkari province, which borders Iraq and Iran, has seen a large number of PKK attacks since the group resumed its armed campaign in July last year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement that condemned the deadly terror attack.

"Our state with all its institutions and its nation are committed to incapacitate the separatist terrorist organization's action," said Erdogan.

"We are committed to take any political, diplomatic, military measures for the survival of our state and our nation both domestically and abroad," he added.

The military said 16 gendarmes were wounded. The number of civilians injured was unclear but a group of people waiting at a nearby bus stop are thought to have been caught in the attack.

[16] DEIK intensifies efforts in Brussels following the failed coup attempt

DEIK's Delegation holds meetings with senior officials of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European External Action Services (EEAS). The group met with MEPs Kati Piri, Parliament's Turkey Rapporteur on Turkey as well as Marietje Schaake. Two separate roundtable discussions were organized, one with Bruegel, one of world's leading economic think-tank; the other at the European Parliament in cooperation with 'Friends of Turkey Group' in the European Parliament. The Delegation also met with Didier Reynders, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as with representatives of Belgian business circles.

On contacts in Brussels DEIK's Vardan said: "Last year we left behind the 10th year of accession negotiations to the EU. Turkey's accession process to the EU is in limbo, with only 16 of the 35 chapters of the acquis that require negotiations have been opened and just one provisionally closed. Unfortunately the pace of accession negotiations is not satisfying. Our citizens are still not granted with visa-free travel and there are urgent issues that require solution on Turkey-EU agenda such as the potential revision and update on 20-years old Customs Union or the Cyprus problem... Our 3-days long visit to Brussels was mainly to discuss the issues on Turkey-EU agenda and exchange of views from a business perspective. We also had the chance to talk on the state of play of the Turkish economy after the failed coup attempt". Reminding that Turkish business community has always been behind Turkey's EU membership President Vardan said: "DEIK has 37 Business Councils across Europe that includes non-EU member countries as well. We as DEIK do follow closely issues such as, Turkey-EU High Level Economic Dialogue, the revision of the Customs Union and visa issue especially from the business perspective".

[17] Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus met with Atalay

According to a statement issued by the "Religious Affairs Department", they discussed the dialogue that is taking place between the religious leaders in Cyprus that was an initiative by the Swedish Embassy.

(CS)

[18] Ataoglu promoted the occupation regime's tourism in the city of Tabriz in Iran

According to the paper, Turkish Cypriot "hoteliers and tourist agents", met with several hoteliers and tourist agents in Tabriz and briefed them about the occupation regime's tourist sector.

Also, the self-styled minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu who also attended the promoting activities in Tabriz, gave a private luncheon to Turkey's consulate general of Tabriz, Caglar Fahri Cakiralp.

After completing his contacts in Iran, Ataoglu and his accompanied delegation returned to the occupation regime on Friday night writes the paper.

Evaluating their contacts in Iran, Ataoglu described them as very productive and very important.

(AK)

[19] The illegal YDU produces the first electrical automobile

According to the paper, the manufacture of the automobile is a result of an eight years work and efforts by the "YDU" which after the establishment of a car factory will launch the mass production of electrical auto cars and their exports to the world.

The paper writes that the producer of the car was inspired by mouflon which is considered as one of the symbols of Cyprus. The "Gunsel" automobile is a modern car and 80% more economical compared with other cars.

In statements during the promoting event, Dr. Ifran Gunsel, "chairman of the board of trustees" of the illegal YDU argued that the automobile production will bring prestige to the "country", adding: "On the one hand we will become globally known and on the other hand we will continue building our future".

Also speaking, the so-called minister of communication and transportation Kemal Durust stated that it is the first time that an auto sector is developed in an island.

In his turn, Sunat Atun, "minister of energy" stated that they will promote the Gunsel automobile's technology in international fairs abroad.

(AK) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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