The celebrations started with an address made by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci from illegal Bayrak's television and with 21 salvo fires.

In his speech, Akinci alleged that as it is noted in the "declaration of independence" the breakaway regime is "open to a federation between two equal peoples", but this could not be achieved.

He argued: "The time for having a result now in the negotiations which continue for half a century has come. The negotiation cannot continue for another 50 years. We have approached to the moment of taking decisions in the negotiations which we have been conducting in close consultations with Turkey for one and a half year".

Akinci reiterated that they achieved progress in the negotiations held last week at Mont Pelerin, but added that some issues which are considered important for both sides still exist.

"The criteria on the territory issue have been discussed within the framework of the principle that all issues will be discussed interdependently, like it is noted in the agreement of 11 February 2014, and the security issues have been discussed within the framework of an exercise of ideas", he said claiming that the time for discussing the issues of security and guarantees has come.

He argued: "As I have stated before going to Switzerland, in case an agreement is reached on the criteria of the territory issue, the two sides will prepare their own map and at the same time they will determine a date for the five-party conference at the presence of the UN. This date will be within a period of time of a few weeks. The five-party conference will be realized within the framework of the method followed at the Burgenstock meetings where the Annan Plan had been discussed and the map with the security and guarantees issues will take their final shape there. The issues of security and guarantees will be discussed and decided with the participation of the guarantor countries. Last week at the last day of the negotiations at Mont Pelerin and in a moment we were approaching the last hours, the Greek Cypriot leader Mr Anastasiades noted that he was not ready to decide and demanded to be given the opportunity to hold contacts in Cyprus and in Greece by giving a recession of one week. Because we could not ignore that this demand came from the leader of the community with which we will establish a partnership in the future, we came back after agreeing that the negotiations will continue on 20 November again in Switzerland. It is obvious that what will be experienced within this week will be important. Of course, during this week we will also continue our works here with our negotiating team and we will brief our political parties on the developments. We will continue our consultations at the highest level with the officials from Turkey. We will be in Switzerland with the same will and determination after one week".

He argued that a "serious opportunity" exists for the establishment of a bi-zonal, bi-communal state in which sovereignty will equally derive from the two communities and it will consist of two founding states which will not enter under each other's dominance. "This opportunity could be turned into reality by paving the way for a five-party conference in the negotiations which will resume during the weekend", he claimed.

Akinci reiterated the allegation that the rotating presidency is one of the two important parameters of the Turkish Cypriots' demand for equality adding that the other one is the effective participation in the decision making. Arguing that the Turkish Cypriots should have the right to vote in the decision making process, because otherwise there will be a unitary state", Akinci noted that "the Greek Cypriot community is obliged to be prepared for the reality that a Turkish Cypriot will in rotation be president of the federal republic. "Without this, there will be no solution", he said.

Referring to the guarantees, Akinci underlined that importance of living in security and recalled that Greece and the United Kingdom said that they could abandon their guarantees. "However, this situation is different for the Turkish Cypriots who are less in number and Turkey. It is not possible to persuade the Turkish Cypriots by saying 'do not worry, nothing can happen in the EU'. A new sense of security could be reached only by experience. And this cannot happen from the first day. We must first see that the new status which we will establish is advancing. The experience of the past showed us that the partnership state was demolished within three years and that we have been left outside of it for 53 years. We do not want to live this again. […] There are some parties in south Cyprus which oppose in principle to the bi-zonal federation. And these parties increased their influence comparing to the past. If these circles are further strengthened, there is no guarantee that they will not want to violate the agreement which will be reached. Therefore, we need Turkey's deterrent power".

Akinci further argued that the real security will not be eternally searched under the shadow of the arms and that we could reevaluate the situation if we see that mutual trust is strengthened. "It is very useful for everyone to understand this. The only thing which could be done today is not to lift the guarantees, by to adopt them to the conditions of 2016", he alleged.

"In parallel to this effort of ours, we have no right to postpone our responsibilities regarding the internal affairs of our home. It is not possible and right to escape to the easy way of saying that 'there will be a solution and everything will be settled'. Yes, we are trying and we will try for a solution, but we will work as hard as we can for the TRNC to advance in every sense. If we reach a reasonable and realistic solution with the Greek Cypriot side, the TRNC will take its place as equal partner in the solution. In case the Greek Cypriot side cannot control its maximalist behaviors and does not approach a reasonable agreement, we will continue our way as TRNC […]", he arued.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Burcu evaluated Mont Pelerin's talks

Burcu argued that as the Turkish Cypriot delegation under the leadership of "president" Mustafa Ak?nc?, they were determined to follow through with the process until the end and they had done all they could to finalize the issue.

Burcu said that upon the request of the Greek Cypriot leader, as he called President Nicos Anastasiades, they gave a one week recess, in order for him to speak with the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and with leaders of the Greek Cypriot political parties.

Burcu added that although they were not pleased with this development, if a partnership is to be established and if political will is to be shared and formed, then they could not deny this request.

"Some convergences have been reached on the criteria and we were going to carry out workings on this area in order to finalize it but Mr. Anastasiades made his request and we did not want to hinder the positive developments that are taking place, therefore we respected his request", said Burcu.

He reiterated that a map was not brought forward during the Mont Pelerin summit.

Upon being asked whether or not they had come to the point of convergence on the issue of criteria, Burcu said that they had carried out the necessary workings in order for convergences to be reached and finalized on this issue.

Noting that they were concerned that the one week break given to the already sensitive Cyprus talks could be harmful, Burcu pointed to the importance of carrying out efforts that would assist in the process being carried forward.

[05] Cavusoglu reiterated that the current negotiation process is the last chance for the solution

Cavusoglu also criticized the EU Parliament President Martin Schulz's recent comments on Turkey and described the European politician's remarks as "threatening" as well as "null".

Cavusoglu said that the European Union first has to distance itself from PKK terror group, adding that Schultz is mostly defending PKK in his comments over developments in Turkey.

"Schultz is using a threatening language in his statements on Turkey, however, it would have no impact on Turkey. What we are seeing is that the EU and its Parliament's President are using a hypocritical rhetoric," Cavusoglu said.

Schulz recently confirmed reports in Brussels that EU leaders at their summit in December could call for economic sanctions against Turkey over the country's recent terror-related operations instead of terminating EU accession talks. He also said that accession negotiations would be ended if Turkey reintroduces the death penalty.

[06] Turkey's MFA spokesman on the Mont Pelerin talks

Our expectation at this stage is that the two sides continue the negotiations with a results-oriented and constructive approach, set a date for the five-party conference which is the final phase of the process, and that a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is reached before the end of 2016.

We will continue to resolutely support the current intensive phase of the negotiations".

[07] Kurtulmus argues that Turkey knows until where it can make concessions in Cyprus and no one can dictate concessions to Turkey

In statements to foreign journalists in Istanbul, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus alleged that Turkey "knows until where we will give concessions" and that "Turkey in no way makes the concessions dictated to it".

Kurtulmus reiterated the Turkish allegation that his country supports the solution in Cyprus. "However, this does not mean that it will make the concessions dictated to it for achieving any solution", he added

Arguing that no one can reject the "Turkish existence in Cyprus", Kurtulmus alleged: "In this sense, Cyprus is a field of security, an area of security for Turkey. Within this framework, we know the concessions which we will make until certain points".

He argued that Turkey will not accept what he called as "aggressive" stance of the Greek Cypriot side, which wishes to determine everything. Finally, he alleged that if the wish is for a solution to be achieved, the international community must make "suggestions and proposals" to the Greek Cypriot side, which allegedly causes tensions in the negotiations and sometimes destroys the negotiating table.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Talat insists on a "trizonal federation"

Assessing the negotiations at Mont Pelerin, Talat said that progress was achieved and "this could be described as a positive development, because in the end a deadlock could have existed, something which did not happen".

Referring to the process which will resume on 20 November, Talat alleged: "[…] A date was set. I hope that there will be no other problem coming from the Greek Cypriot National Council in relation to this. […] The National Council may put obstacles. […]"

Referring to the map on the territory, he claimed:

"In my view, the map of the Annan Plan should not be discussed as basis. […] The Annan Plan should not be a criterion. New ideas should be developed. The trizonal federation, to which I had referred earlier. It will be a bi-zonal federation, which will have areas under federal administration, that is, federal areas. […] There could be some autonomous areas as well. […] I think that this is the most creative and healthy. However, serious consultation is needed for this. […]"

Talat further said that Akinci should consult with the political parties and Turkey and added: "Therefore, Turkey should be convinced within the process. Otherwise, even if the sides agree on the map, a negative voice from Turkey will sabotage and demolish the agreement".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Tufan Erhurman is the new leader of CTP; He commented on the Mont Pelerin outcome

Referring to the Cyprus negotiation talks in Mont Pelerin, Erhurman noted that a week break had been given to the Cyprus talks after the Mont Pelerin summit, and said that as the new leader of the CTP, his first duty will be to meet with the Greek Cypriot AKEL General Secretary Andros Kyprianou and DISY representatives.

'We will continue to work to find creative ways to find peace both at the table and on the streets' said Erhurman.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (13.11.16) reported that Erhurman, in a short evaluation to the social media of the outcome of the Mont Pelerin summit and prior to his election to the leadership of the party, said the following: "Even though the result was not the one we hoped for, our scares did not come true…".

In his message to the social media, Erhurman said: "We will go to Switzerland with new hopes. We should support the two leaders in this effort. We have a process in front of us that should be utilized in order to put forward all together constructive formulas for the solution. Now is the moment that we should help the two leaders on this issue", he said.

(AK)

[10] Ozersay: "Anastasiades is seeking advice on the wrong place"

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (14.11.16) reports that Ozersay said that they want a positive outcome from the Cyprus talks and support a "balanced solution".

In a press release by the party (HP), Ozersay said that they, as HP, are against of extending this procedure and are seeking for a balanced, mutual acceptable outcome. He added that the realization of the aim for a solution is feasible before the end of 2016 with the convention of the five-party meeting. He also argued that "if the Greek Cypriot side instead of going to this meeting, which will bring results, will try to get concessions as exchange for this, this does not comply with good intention. He also asked from the Turkish Cypriot side to be careful on this issue and with this understanding, he continues to support the Cyprus talks.

(DPs)

[11] Tatar called Akinci to inform the "government", "assembly" and Turkey on the Cyprus talks

In a written statement, Tatar stressed that Akinci should inform the "government", the "assembly" and Turkey for the negotiations and act in harmony with them, as President Anastasiades does.

(DPs)

[12] Ozyigit on the Mont Pelerin talks

Pointing out to the importance of the forthcoming week, Ozyigit stressed the need for encouraging and supporting the two leaders for the solution. He stated also that it is important to stay far from statements and any kind of decisions that will harm and derail the negotiation process.

[13] British Deputies visited Siber

During the meeting, Siber said that the Turkish Cypriots should develop their relations with Britain especially on the social and cultural fields. She also argued that she believed that the strengthening of the Turkish Cypriots will contribute positive on the Cyprus talks.

Lord Sharkey, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed his satisfaction for visiting the occupied area of Cyprus in such occasion, claiming that they will always support and be next to the "TRNC". Referring to the Cyprus talks, Lord Sharkey said that he wishes the Cyprus talks to come to a conclusion with a success and to reach an acceptable solution.

(DPs)

[14] Saner: "2,697 persons will benefit from the amnesty law"

Speaking at a television programme, Saner explained that the "amnesty bill" came into force on August 16, 2016, but was blocked with a "decree" after the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) objected on September 29, 2016.

According to Saner, the "draft bill on amnesty" for providing 60-day amnesty will be referred again to the "parliament" on November 14, 2016, for its approval. The "new amnesty" will be open to all foreigners, who live or work in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus "illegally".

(DPs)

[15] Figures on the number of the illegal workers in the "TRNC"

According to circles close to the "ministry of labor" and the "ministry of economy", even though there are 13 thousand unemployed people in the "TRNC", the number of foreign workers in the "TRNC" has reached to 40 thousand. Five thousand out of them are coming from third countries, writes the paper and adds that 8 thousand are illegal workers mainly coming from Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and African countries.

The paper points out that the illegal workers work under inappropriate conditions, with low incomes, no social insurances and provident funds and also they work more than 15 hours the day.

(AK)

[16] The road works for the opening of Aplici/Lefka crossing point have launched

The project, which contains the construction of the 980 meters road in the "north side" of Cyprus, aims to complete it by March 2017.

(DPs)

[17] A delegation from the "assembly" carried out contacts in Brussels

During their meetings, the "deputies" conveyed the Turkish Cypriots' "sensitivities" on the issues like the stage that the Cyprus talks are, the financing of the Cyprus settlement, the duties of the EU, the acceleration of the Turkish Cypriots' harmonization with the EU and their relations with the EU institutions. The delegation expressed also its opinion on Turkey's Progress Report 2016 by the EU, especially on the paragraph regarding the Cyprus issue.

The delegation, which consisted by Armagan Candan, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Zeki Celer, "deputy" with the Social Democracy Party (TDP) and the independent "deputy" Hasan Tacoy, met also with representatives and Deputies of the Christian Democrat group, the Socialist and Democrats group, the Conservatives and Reformists group, the Liberal group, the Freedom and Direct Democracy group as well as the Green group.

(DPs)

[18] Atun: "The Greek Cypriots cannot prevent the transferring of electricity"

Speaking exclusively to the paper, Atun commented on the efforts that were reportedly launched by the Republic of Cyprus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy to put onstacles on the transferring of electricity from Turkey to the occupation regime via underwater cables and stated the following: "What the Greek Cypriots can do about this? Did they prevented the transferring of water? They cannot prevent the transferring of electricity as well".

Supporting that the Greek Cypriots should evaluate well the transferring of water and electricity to the island, Atun called the Greek Cypriot side not to think to put obstacles on their future project and to re-consider their proposal for cooperation.

(AK)

[19] Figures on the number of tourists visiting the occupation regime

According to the paper, 54% out of them (641, 556 persons) stayed for the night in tourist facilities, while 45.22% (529,661 persons) overnighted in the occupation regime having a different status (for example students, workers, illegal workers).

Meanwhile, according to the same figures, the hotel occupancy in the occupation regime hotels during the third quarter of 2016 has reached to 47,9%.

(AK)

[20] Bird Airlines to carry out flights from Turkey to the occupation regime and third countries

According to the paper, during the meeting with officials of the Bird Airlines Aviation company, it was decided that the company will carry out flights between the illegal Tymbou airport [Ercan] and Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon, Gaziantep, Antalya, Adana and Alexandretta, and flights to third countries via Turkey.

In statements on the issue, so-called minister of public works and transportation Kemal Durust, stated inter alia, that their goal is to provide alternatives to "airport transportation" and to provide a suitable environment with the appropriate conditions to the "TRNC citizens", students and tourists who want to visit the "TRNC".

(AK)

[21] Erdogan invited Donald Trump to Turkey

Erdogan evaluated the victory of Trump while returning from Belarus, where he paid a one-day visit, answering questions from journalists.

Erdogan said he believed that ongoing anti-Trump demonstrations indicated that people could not digest the mogul's victory. "I congratulated him on the first night he was elected. He will take over the duty of the Presidency on January 20, 2017. We can also meet before this date if possible. I said during the phone call that we would be pleased to meet reciprocally as soon as possible. I remarked that we would be pleased if Turkey is one of his first visits abroad. He responded positively," Erdogan stated.

Erdogan also said that Trump's team had a similar view to Iraq and Syria as Turkey.

"For instance, the no-fly zone issue is very important. They [Trump's team] have similar opinions on this issue. This issue is a vital subject for us. Why? We are referring to the area that has been purged of terror.

But the area which was purged from terror should also be a no-fly zone. When that issue is solved, there is one thing to do: train and equip. We are already involved in training and equipping," he said.

Erdogan also stated that Trump did not receive any money from the Gulenist movement.

"These demonstrations against Trump are temporary, in my opinion. I will not be surprised if the group that is protesting Trump, falls in line to get an appointment from him. Trump did not win the election by receiving money from FETO [Fethullahist Terrorist Organization]. He has financial power and he subsidized his election campaign by his own means. The rumors about the other side [Hillary Clinton] getting money from the [FETO] was reflected in the press. There is some news about those claims that will be investigated," Erdogan added.

(…)

[22] Erdogan hints at referendum on Turkey joining the EU

"The European Union is trying to compel us to withdraw from this (accession) process. If they don't want us they should be clear about this, they should make a decision," Erdogan told the daily Hurriyet in an interview on Sunday.

"Our patience is not endless. If need be, later, we could also consult our people," he said, alluding to the UK's Brexit referendum in June.

Rocky relations between Ankara and the EU became even more strained in the wake of the failed coup in Turkey in July.

(…)"Some people are saying we should lift the state of emergency. Why would we lift it now?" Erdogan told Hurriyet.

[23] Yildirim and Soylu criticized foreign envoys for attending the HDP meeting

"I want you to know that I felt sorrow in my heart when those Ambassadors sat at the HDP group meeting. I said 'Alas, they are encouraging terror organization' (the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party)," Soylu said on Nov. 12 speaking at the funeral ceremony of Muhammet Fatih Safiturk, the District Governor of the southeastern province of Mardin's Derik, who was killed in a PKK attack on Nov. 11.

The HDP meeting on November 8 was attended by the Ambassadors of Belgium, Austria and Luxembourg, in addition to the Turkey delegation representatives of Austria, Greece, Finland and the EU.

Meanwhile, earlier, Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m had criticized the European representatives. "The Ambassadors' duty is not to support separatists, it is to respect the sovereign rights of the country in which they work. We expect them to practice their duties within the framework of their responsibilities," Yildirim said.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag had also condemned the envoys for their governments' failure to show support for Turkey's battle against "terrorism."

[24] "2nd international union of festivals" in occupied Trikomo

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(AK/AM)

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