Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-11

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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] The Turkish Cypriot press on the negotiations at Mont Pelerin

[02] Erdogan: No country thinks of Turks as invaders

[03] CoE warns Turkey of flood of cases at ECHR due to state of emergency measures

[04] Erhurman speaks about CTP's manifesto; CTP's general congress to take place on Sunday

[05] Newly U.S. Vice President Mike Pence: Trump wants to improve Turkey ties

[06] Belarusian MFA: Turkey-Belarus ties have reached a 'new level'

[07] Qatari Minister seeks to build ground to develop trade ties with Turkey

[08] German FM Steinmeier to visit Turkey amid tense relations

[09] AKP begins constitution change talks with MHP, re-invites CHP

[10] Istanbul police detain executive board head of Cumhuriyet Foundation

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] The Turkish Cypriot press on the negotiations at Mont Pelerin

Under the title "There is no agreement on the 'criteria of the territory', today once more", Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (11.11.16) reports that no agreement on the criteria of the territory issue came up during the negotiations which continued all day long yesterday in Switzerland. The search for a solution will continue today and during the last 24 hours the leaders will look for the ground for the discussion of the map with the aim of holding a five-party conference, argues the paper according to which President Anastasiades was expected to return to Cyprus today at noon, but changed his program and postponed his flight for tomorrow.

Referring to the statements made by the two leaders and Eide yesterday, the paper reports that Akinci said that "not everything ended, we cannot deny that we achieved progress, but I cannot say anything concrete on the issue of what could happen tomorrow (today)". According to the paper, President Anastasiades described the today's meetings as "the most crucial" for concluding everything, while Eide said that "everything is on the table".

Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (11.11.16) refers to the same statements under the title "Message by the leaders at midnight" and reports that Akinci said: "It is the first time we came out during the last week. Today is an important day, not everything has ended. We achieved progress. The latest development is important. We are cautious. We want to solve a problem that continues for 50 years. We want to offer a new life to the future generations in Cyprus. The situation on the territory issue will be evident today. If there is a positive conclusion today, the five-party conference will come by itself. If everything goes well and if time is not enough, the summit could be prolonged for one more day, but we might end it in time".

According to the paper, President Anastasiades stated: "There is a creative effort. We cannot ignore this. We both try to take into consideration our concerns, but I said that this is not enough. Today is the most crucial day for us to see whether we can reach an agreement".

The paper writes that Eide said that from technical point of view the negotiations could be extended until Saturday, but "this might not be necessary". "The truth is that I am touched by the effort of the leaders for a solution. Everything is on the table and the territory issue is being discussed at the moment", he added.

Meanwhile, under the title "Tough bargaining", Havadis reports also that while the leaders achieved "significant progress" at Mont Pelerin on the territory, they could not agree on a date for a five-party conference. "Even though the uncertainty on the issue of the five-party conference continues, the leaders will continue the discussions today", notes the paper adding that the "negotiations might be extended for one day". Havadis argues the following: "[…] The leaders, who achieved a satisfactory progress at Mont Pelerin on the chapters of the EU, the Governance and Power Sharing, the Economy and the Property, have put on the table the criteria on the property. Even though no progress on the territory was achieved as expected, the sides know now the proposals of each other. […] During the talks at the Mont Pelerin, the leaders agreed that the percentage in the cabinet, which during the Annan Plan had been agreed to be 4 to 2, should be 7 to 4 and that the territory of the British Bases in Dhekeleia, which will be evacuated, should be given to the Turkish Cypriot component state. […] At Mont Pelerin, where the administrative borders of the component states and in this sense the criteria in relation to the territory are being discussed, the Greek Cypriot side demanded a territorial adjustment which ensures the return of 100 thousand Greek Cypriots. The Turkish side rejected this demand, which is considered that will cause mass migration. […] If until the noon today the date for a five-party conference is not known, the negotiations might be extended for one day. If there is no agreement again, intensive work awaits for the leaders in Nicosia. The two leaders and the UN do not want the interruption of the process and are working on an interim formula. […] While the Turkish side says 'I am not discussing a map unless the date for a five-party conference is known', the Greek Cypriot side says 'I am not going to a five-party conference before the map is clarified'. If the uncertainty continues until the end of the summit, the formula is the following: In Nicosia the Turkish side will put a map on the table, while the Greek Cypriot side a date for the five-party conference and the negotiations will continue until the day of the five-party conference. […]"

Under the title "Either a map, or a crisis", Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (11.11.16) reports that in spite of the fact that we have come to the last day of the negotiations in Switzerland President Anastasiades could not secure the concessions he wanted by the Turkish side on the territory and insists on the return of 100 Greek Cypriot refugees and on the issue of Morfou. The hope of the Greek Cypriot side for a map to be submitted to the table remained for the last meeting, writes the paper according to which the Greek Cypriots could not take what they wanted in the talks and the Turkish Cypriot side did not enter into details as regards the areas which will be returned under Greek Cypriot administration.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (11.11.16) reports that according to some information there is no crisis in the negotiations, Akinci works hard with his negotiating team and the process continues within the framework of the agreement reached between the sides. According to the newspaper's sources, if an agreement on the criteria of the property is achieved today, at the same time with setting the date of the five-party conference, work will begin on a map on the basis of the agreed criteria.

Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Detay newspaper (11.11.16) reports that in spite of the fact that tension was created among journalists by rumors saying that crisis existed in the negotiations in Switzerland they were told that there is no crisis and that the negotiations continue as planned. In case no clear result is achieved today, the negotiations will not collapse, but an important window of opportunity for a solution to the Cyprus problem in 2016 will close, argues the paper adding that after the Mont Pelerin "the leaders will be obliged to work more intensively on a solution plan which could be approved by both sides and end it later".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Erdogan: No country thinks of Turks as invaders

Speaking in Ankara at a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Erdogan argued that Turkey never had designs on the lands of other countries.

"Today, visit anywhere in Syria, Iraq, North Africa, the Middle East or the Balkans, and ask the people there their opinions on Turkey, and you will see no one mentions colonization, invasion, oppression or massacres alongside Turkey", Erdogan argued.

"Instead, you hear the symbolic call, 'Truehearted Turks here again!'" the President claimed, adding that Turkish people accept all people living in the same land as brothers and sisters without any discrimination based on religion or race.

Erdogan said both Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Istanbul, and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the republic and starter of Turkey's War of Independence, drew their power from the nation.

"We are always striving to push forward the Turkish Republic, which honoured veteran Mustafa Kemal [Ataturk] called his greatest work and entrusted it to future generations as a fully independent country.

He also criticized members of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), which Ataturk founded, for misunderstanding Ataturk's messages. "Unfortunately, I see that there are still those who do not understand the messages of our honoured veteran Mustafa Kemal, who carried out his War of Independence starting in Samsun with his confidence in the nation. "Those who seek to defame and disgrace the veteran's legacy, New Turkey, and make it a target for their own petty political interests do not deserve to use the veteran's name", Erdogan said.

[03] CoE warns Turkey of flood of cases at ECHR due to state of emergency measures

Jagland was in Ankara on Nov. 10 for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, EU Minister Omer Celik, members of the Constitutional Court, and opposition party representatives, as the European body expresses concern on the state of emergency measures after Turkey's deadly July 15 coup attempt.

Jagland warned Turkish officials of the risk of a flood of cases at the ECHR as a result of the implementation of the state of emergency, sources familiar with the talks told the Hurriyet Daily News.

He specifically raised concerns regarding recent detentions, including the raid against critical daily Cumhuriyet and the closure of pro-Kurdish media outlets.

The ongoing debate on reinstating the death penalty in Turkey was also on the agenda, with Jagland repeating that capital punishment is incompatible with membership of the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights, which Turkey has ratified.

The Convention, signed in 1983, excludes capital punishment except in time of war or imminent threat of war, while a 2002 protocol ended the time-of-war proviso.

After announcing it a week after the coup attempt, Ankara communicated the state of emergency to the Council of Europe, along with a notice of derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

[04] Erhurman speaks about CTP's manifesto; CTP's general congress to take place on Sunday

According to the paper, Erhurman argued that the Cyprus problem is not "the fundamental of all wrongdoing" happening in the "TRNC" and stated that new CTP's political energy will not be focused on the Cyprus problem.

Replying to a comment by the paper that "this new approach will give cause for comments that the party diverted from its traditional line towards the Cyprus problem", Erhurman pointed out that possible evaluations of their positions will not cause distress to them. Reminding that no change was made on the party's program since 1998, he stated that the new CTP needs to have a concrete approach towards the problems experienced in the fields of "economy, education and tourism".

Asked to comment about the lack of a separate chapter in the manifesto concerning their ties with Turkey, Erhurman said: "I felt that this was not necessary. While we support the political equality, the equal status on the ties with all the other countries and the need for the Turkish Cypriots to be self-administrated, it is not necessary to have a separate chapter about how will be our ties with Turkey. […]. CTP's duty is to provide to the Turkish Cypriot's the place they deserve in the international arena and its goal is to establish relations based on equality and respect with all the countries worldwide", said Erhurman.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Erhurman stressed the need for the solution of the Cyprus problem not to be postponed. […]. "Our aim is to implement leftist policies based on personal dignity and justice, both prior and after the solution", he said and added that since the parameters of the solution of the Cyprus problem are clear, their wish is the early solution of the Cyprus problem that will lift the uncertainty in the island. […].

(AK)

[05] Newly U.S. Vice President Mike Pence: Trump wants to improve Turkey ties

"Turkey is the U.S.' most important ally in the region. We will bring our relations with Turkey to a better stance just like in the old days," Pence said in the early hours of Nov. 9 after Republican Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president of the Unites States. "We will further enhance our relations", Pence added.

According to a Turkish presidential source, Erdogan said that he believes bilateral ties would be further strengthened in the near future.

[06] Belarusian MFA: Turkey-Belarus ties have reached a 'new level'

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Minsk, Makey said that relations between Belarus and Turkey had developed dynamically.

"The trust-based, warm and friendly contacts between Belarusian President [Alexander] Lukashenko and Turkish President Erdogan helped us to move to a new level in relations between the two countries," Makey said.

Describing Erdogan's visit as "an important step in furthering existing relations", Makey said they expected the trip "to give a strong impetus to economic relations". "The economies of Turkey and Belarus are complementary to each other and the two countries have similar positions in the international arena," said Makey. "It is important for us to assess regional and global issues with the Turkish government."

Makey emphasized that Turkey had a very important place in Belarus's foreign economic policy and added: "We are trying to balance the countries we cooperate with so as not to be tied to a country in foreign economic and commercial relations. Turkey has a very important place in our foreign economic policy."

Stressing how the mutual abolition of visas between Turkey and Belarus contributed to the development of tourism as well as to economic and commercial relations, Makey said that removing the travel requirement had been a correct decision and mutually beneficial.

[07] Qatari Minister seeks to build ground to develop trade ties with Turkey

Al-Thani further noted that the number of Turkish companies in Qatar has significantly increased, with the number of Turkish-capitalized companies rising to 26 in the country, continuing, "Likewise, Qatari businessmen increase investments in Turkey with every passing day."

Stressing that a great number of cooperation agreements were signed between Turkey and Qatar, al-Thani said, "These ensure a sustainable trade volume and program. We are striving to hold more meetings in Doha in order to further promote relations between Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)."

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Turkey-Qatar Joint Economic Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Qatar discriminates in favour of Turkey with not only just words but also with action and supports Turkish firms' operation in the country, stressing that Qatar is the seventh country where Turkish countries undertake the largest number of projects.

Turkey-Qatar Joint Economic Commission protocol was signed between Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek and Qatari Economy and Trade Minister Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani on Thursday. Simsek said the signed protocol will contribute to the important collaborations between the two countries in the fields of economy and politics.

The number of Qatar-affiliated companies in Turkey has reached 99 with a $ 1.2 billion worth of capital inflow from Qatar, Simsek said, adding that Qatari-based firms will hopefully take over an active and important role in the future and make substantial contributions to the investment and trade between the two countries.

Pledging that a new incentive system will be put into effect to boost the commercial relations, Simsek said the Turkish contracting firms operating in Qatar has so far taken on $13.7 billion worth of projects in total. According to Simsek, Turkish firms mostly take part in highway projects, followed by metro, airport and port projects. Stressing that Turkish firms showed a noteworthy success in the Duha metro and airport projects, Simsek said they are also willing to take part in Qatar's 2022 World Cup organizations.

[08] German FM Steinmeier to visit Turkey amid tense relations

Ties between Germany and Turkey have been strained in recent months; largely due to what Ankara says is Berlin's reluctance to take strong action against terrorist groups.

Steinmeier's visit will be his first after the defeated July 15 coup, which killed 246 people and wounded around 2,200 others.

"This [coup] was an attack directed to the heart of Turkish democracy," Steinmeier said during a parliamentary debate in Berlin on Thursday. He added: "We feel admiration for people who showed great courage that night to preserve [the] constitution and democratic institutions."

Steinmeier said that Germany's position is "very clear". "We condemn every kind of terrorism, including the PKK, and we struggle against this with all the means of the state. This is our position and it will remain like this," he added.

Steinmeier also said that Germany needs Turkey's ties with the EU. He added they will "disappoint" many people in Turkey, "if we close the door to Turkey and throw away the key".

[09] AKP begins constitution change talks with MHP, re-invites CHP

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) began the dual meetings on constitutional drafts, including the presidential system change on Nov. 10.

The meeting was scheduled in the Prime Ministry's Cankaya Palace, after Y?ld?r?m announced the beginning of constitution talks on Nov. 9. One of the offers included a whole new constitution based on the presidential system and the other is an amended version of the existing constitution to make it more compatible with an executive presidential system.

"Both alternatives are on the table. We need 330 affirmative votes to bring the constitutional amendment to the public vote. For AKP, it is not possible for us to achieve that by ourselves. In this manner, MHP's support is needed. We have initiated our work grounding on this," Y?ld?r?m told reporters on Nov. 9.

The AKP's long-awaited wish to pass a constitutional change gained momentum after MHP head Bahceli proposed bringing the issue to a public vote on Oct. 11. Even though his proposal was interpreted as covert support for the voting process in Parliament, Bahceli also stressed that the MHP would decide on its stance after evaluating the AKP's draft.

With 316 seats in Parliament, the AKP is at least 14 votes short of introducing a constitutional amendment, as any charter change requires the support of at least 330 votes in order to take it to a referendum.

Even though the AKP-MHP meeting seems crucial for the parliamentary vote, Y?ld?r?m also called for the CHP, which remains opposed to the system change, to participate in the preparation of the new charter.

"The CHP has a negative attitude. But we think there is still time. We repeat our call to the CHP. Our door is open," he said on Nov. 9.

The CHP's spokeswoman Selin Sayek Boke dismissed the call. Speaking to reporters after her party's executive board meeting, Boke stressed that the party would only support a change to make the country "more democratic and free".

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper reports that after the meeting with Yildirim, Bahceli expressed his views on Twitter, saying that the draft is "positive" and "reasonable."

Prior to the meeting, MHP chairman Bahceli had met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week and addressed topics on the presidential system and the constitution.

[10] Istanbul police detain executive board head of Cumhuriyet Foundation

His detention comes after nine people were arrested on Nov. 5 in the "terrorism" investigation targeting Cumhuriyet, one of Turkey's oldest and most respected newspapers.

Atalay had also been wanted in the investigation but was abroad during the initial wave of detentions targeting Cumhuriyet journalists and executives. He was detained after returning from Germany, where he had attended a commemorative ceremony for the late Turkish actor Tar?k Akan on Nov. 30. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs/AM)

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