Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-15

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[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that the "TRNC" will take its place as "equal partner" in case of a solution in Cyprus or will continue its own way

[02] Yildirim; "We want a solution with rotating presidency in Cyprus; Turkey's effective guarantees should continue"

[03] Turkes alleges that the breakaway regime is not an obstacle for the solution in Cyprus

[04] Akinci had separate phone conservations with Biden and Cavusoglu

[05] Akinci alleges that the "TRNC" could look at the future more safely as long as it stands on its own feet in cooperation with Turkey

[06] Burcu argues that a final and comprehensive solution to the territory issue will not be achieved in Switzerland next week

[07] Messages by Denktas, Eroglu and Ozersay on the 33rd anniversary of the UDI of the "TRNC"

[08] Ertugruloglu briefed the foreign journalists

[09] General Musa Avsener of the Turkish occupation forces visited Akinci, Siber and Ozgurgun

[10] Siber met with a delegation from Kosovo

[11] Turkish vessels violate once more Cyprus' territorial waters

[12] Chinese MFA: China is Turkey's 'friend in need'

[13] Turkish PM Yildirim to visit Russia to normalize process between Ankara and Moscow

[14] Turkey supports Kashmir's right to self-determination, as well as Pakistan's support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue

[15] AKP delivers charter draft to MHP

[16] "Bird Airlines" is not a member of ICAO or IATA

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci argues that the "TRNC" will take its place as "equal partner" in case of a solution in Cyprus or will continue its own way

Addressing the ceremony prior to the parade at Fazil Kucuk boulevard in the occupied part of Nicosia within the framework of the celebrations for the 33rd anniversary from the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Turkey's subordinate administration in the occupied area of Cyprus, Akinci reiterated the allegation that as it is noted in the "declaration of independence" the breakaway regime is "open to a federation between two equal peoples", but a federation could not be achieved during the negotiations held between the sides until today.

Expressing the view that negotiations cannot continue for another 50 years, Akinci reiterated that they achieved progress during the talks held last week in Switzerland, but 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 re-evaluate 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 and claimed: "[…] 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 […]".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yildirim; "We want a solution with rotating presidency in Cyprus; Turkey's effective guarantees should continue"

Addressing Justice and Development Party's (AKP) group at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Yildirim congratulated the "TRNC" on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of its UDI and referring to the Cyprus talks claimed that Turkey's guarantees will continue. He alleged: "[…] First we congratulate this beautiful day of our Cypriot brothers. We will continue any kind of support, [and] sensitivity towards providing aid for Cyprus' political, economic and social development. Negotiations are going on these days in Cyprus. Their aim is to end the injustices on the island which have been continuing for years. The Greek Cypriot side represents the whole island and embargo is implemented on the TRNC. The aim of the negotiations is to eliminate this injustice. Whatever the result is, a solution which will take back the rights of our Cypriot brothers and harm their just representation rights can never be accepted. We also wish very much a solution which includes the two sides' rotating presidency in Cyprus and the fair sharing. In order for the events of the past not to be repeated, Turkey's effective guarantees should continue. Let those who put forward different alternatives not be deceived. We hope that these negotiations will be concluded in a manner which will satisfy both sides".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Turkes alleges that the breakaway regime is not an obstacle for the solution in Cyprus

Addressing the ceremony prior to the parade at Fazil Kucuk boulevard in the occupied part of Nicosia within the framework of the "celebrations" for the 33rd anniversary from the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Turkey's subordinate administration in the occupied area of Cyprus, Turkes claimed that the "state", which the Turks of Cyprus established 33 years ago, is "the highest symbol of their just struggle".

Turkes alleged that the establishment of the "TRNC" declared the existence of two communities on the island and argued: "[…] The TRNC, which founded its traditions on sound foundations, continues growing in the social and economic field in spite of the unjust isolation to which it has been subjected. It has obtained the identity of both a tourism and education center in the world".

Turkes said that he wants the world to give the Turkish Cypriots their "legitimate rights" without further delay and asked for the lifting of all the "embargoes" in the air and sea transportation. He alleged that the existence of the "TRNC" has never been an obstacle to a lasting peace on the island and claimed that the Turkish Cypriots have always supported the solution.

Arguing that the Turkish Cypriots are exerting efforts for peace and solution during the ongoing negotiations, Turkes said that "the world must see this reality" and added: "A solution in Cyprus is possible. In parallel to the UN and the guarantor countries, the support of the people living in the south of Cyprus is important. We support reaching a final peace in Cyprus, which protects the legitimate rights of the Turks of Cyprus. This is the result we want to come out on 20 November. A bi-zonal, bi-communal united Cyprus, in which equal founding rights exist, is in favor of all sides. Whatever is the result which will come out from the process, Turkey's support will continue under any condition".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akinci had separate phone conservations with Biden and Cavusoglu

During the call, Biden thanked Akinci due to the Turkish Cypriot side's positive stance exhibited in Switzerland and the leadership he demonstrated too.

Moreover, illegal Bayrak television (online, 14.11.16, http://www.brtk.net/muzakere-surecinde-gelinen-son-asamayi-degerlendirdi/) broadcast that Akinci had also a phone conversation on Monday with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. They evaluated the latest stage of the Cyprus talks.

(DPs)

[05] Akinci alleges that the "TRNC" could look at the future more safely as long as it stands on its own feet in cooperation with Turkey

In statements yesterday during a meeting with a delegation from the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Akinci referred to the negotiations which will start in Switzerland on 20 November and wished for a date for holding a five-party conference to be determined, describing the five-party conference as "the last stage of the process of finding a solution to the Cyprus problem".

Akinci reiterated that in case a solution to the Cyprus problem is reached, the "TRNC" will become one of the two equal partners of the federal structure, as it is noted in its "declaration of establishment" and alleged: "However, if the Greek Cypriot side does not abandon its maximalist approaches and continues demanding the impossible, the TRNC will continue its own way".

Akinci expressed the view that the Turkish Cypriot side has not the luxury of postponing its internal problems saying that a solution to the Cyprus problem will be reached and claimed that a "TRNC" which has a strong economy and democracy will become a sounder partner of the federal structure which will be established.

Akinci reiterated that his wish is a lasting peace in the island to be reached, and added that there is the opportunity for both sides to obtain their rights and be able to make use of the wealth in the area together, to be able to jointly exploit the natural gas and transfer it to Europe through Turkey and jointly use the water which came from Turkey.

Referring to the negotiations which will be held in Switzerland next week, Akinci said: "I hope that when we meet again next weekend, we will determine the date of a five-party conference at which Turkey will also be present together with the other guarantor countries".

(I/Ts.)

[06] Burcu argues that a final and comprehensive solution to the territory issue will not be achieved in Switzerland next week

Asked to comment on a statement made by Government Spokesman, Nikos Christodoulides that the negotiators of the sides would meet during this week to discuss issues that remained open, Burcu noted that no meeting in Nicosia will be held between the negotiators prior to the talks in Switzerland, because this would allegedly be contrary to the achieved agreement, which provides for "continuation of the negotiations from the point they were left, at the same place and in the same form after one week".

Burcu described as "wrong" the statement made by the Government Spokesman to CyBC saying that "if everything goes well and an agreement is reached on the territory in Switzerland, this does not mean that an international conference will immediately be convened". Burcu alleged: "A comprehensive and final agreement on the territory will not be achieved in Switzerland. The criteria on the territory will be agreed and we will pass to the stage of the map, but the search for an agreement on maps will take place during the five-party conference. It will take its final form during the five-party conference where the security and the guarantees will be discussed".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Messages by Denktas, Eroglu and Ozersay on the 33rd anniversary of the UDI of the "TRNC"

Denktas claimed that the "TRNC" (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) exists as a "state" and is a part of the international law and relations and it will continue to exist. He further argued: "The TRNC today is an independent and sovereign state. This state was established through the right to self-determination of the Turkish Cypriot people. It is suitable to international law and recognition. Regardless of whether or not it is recognised the TRNC is a state and exists and will continue to exist".

Eroglu, in his message, argued that taking into account of what is going on in the region and the world is unreasonable to give up or water down the effective and active Turkey's guarantees on Cyprus.

Ozersay also alleged that a "TRNC", which is administered well and its institutions are also operating well, then it can be the most important guarantee of the permanence and viability of the Cyprus settlement.

(DPs)

[08] Ertugruloglu briefed the foreign journalists

During the briefing which was held at the "ministry of foreign affairs" yesterday, Ertugruloglu informed the journalists about the Cyprus problem and the Cyprus talks. He also replied to questions of the foreign journalists following the briefing.

(DPs)

[09] General Musa Avsener of the Turkish occupation forces visited Akinci, Siber and Ozgurgun

During his visit to Akinci, Commander Avsever presented to him a letter sent by Turkey's Chief of Staff. Akinci handed a letter containing his many thanks to the Turkish Land Forces for the sacred duty that it took on many years ago and is still continuing today to the General to hand to the Turkish Chief of Staff.

Speaking during the visit, Akinci said that while working towards establishing a federation which will be just and formed by the two equal constituent states they also worked towards further improving the "TRNC economy".

General Avsever later visited Siber. The Commander of the "Cyprus Turkish peace forces" Command Lieutenant General Omer Pac was also present at the meeting.

For her part, Siber said that Turkey is going through difficult days and sent her kindest regards to Turkey's Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar. She also expressed the belief that everything will be better for both the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey in a short period of time.

The Commander then met with Ozgurgun, who pointed to the important duty the Turkish occupation Forces were carrying out on the island since 1974 (editor's note: since the Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 174).

Reminding that the Cyprus negotiation process is continuing, Ozgurgun claimed that "there is one certainty and that is that the Turkish Armed Forces which is providing peace and security on the island since 1974". He said that "the continuation of this is a major red line of the Turkish Cypriot people" and added that "the government supports a solution that guarantees the security of its people".

Ozgurgun argued that hopefully the Greek Cypriot side will also support a solution that gives equal rights to the partners on the island.

[10] Siber met with a delegation from Kosovo

Siber met with a delegation from Kosovo consisting of the "deputy parliamentary speaker" Fikrim Damka and "deputy" Muferra Sinik who are in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus to attend the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence (UDI).

Speaking during the visit, Damka expressed satisfaction for visiting the "TRNC" and said: "The sister country Kosovo shared in the Turkish Cypriot people's joy".

Siber, for her part, expressed the hope that cultural ties and mutual visits will further improve between the "TRNC" and Kosovo.

Reminding that they visited Kosovo on the 23rd of April, she said during that time they planned to organize "TRNC Days" in Kosovo however she added that this could not be realized due to the latest developments.

Stating that this project was still on the agenda, Siber said: "Visits where two peoples will know each other and each other's culture, tradition and art are important for the country's tourism, peace, and friendship".

[11] Turkish vessels violate once more Cyprus' territorial waters

According to a press release by the so-called security forces command, the TCG Tufan torpedo boat is anchored at the occupied harbour of Famagusta, the TCG Anafartalar submarine is anchored at the occupied port of Keryneia and the TCG Giresun frigate will be anchored at the open sea of the occupied town of Keryneia.

(DPs)

[12] Chinese MFA: China is Turkey's 'friend in need'

Speaking to Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview on Sunday in Ankara, paying an official visit, Wang said, "China immediately expressed support for the Turkish government's efforts to uphold stability in accordance with the law and sent a vice foreign minister to visit Turkey".

Asked about Turkey and China's cooperation on security issues and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization's (FETO) activities in the country, Wang said: "Neither of us allows any activity on its soil that undermines the other's security and stability".

Wang added that since last year, the nation's Presidents, Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have met three times and reached important agreements on protecting national security and fighting terrorism. Ahead of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou this September, Erdogan and Xi signed three bilateral agreements in the areas of energy, nuclear security, and agricultural health certification.

"There is zero tolerance for any organization or individual that engages in such activities," Wang said, adding that China's support for Turkey in the wake of the coup attempt "proves that China is a friend in need".

[13] Turkish PM Yildirim to visit Russia to normalize process between Ankara and Moscow

Y?ld?r?m and Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev will chair the meetings in Moscow, although the date for the Turkish Prime Minister's visit has not yet been fixed, according to sources.

The trip will be Y?ld?r?m's first visit to Russia since he was appointed as Prime Minister In May.

According to sources, the main agenda of the Y?ld?r?m-Medvedev meeting will include economic cooperation between the two countries after a number of sanctions imposed by Russia continue to be gradually lifted.

Expected to be accompanied with a delegation of businessmen, Y?ld?r?m and his counterpart will also discuss trade in the Turkish Lira and the Russian Ruble, the establishment of a free trade zone, and the enhancement of tourism between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers will also discuss developments in Syria and Iraq, at a time when the international community has intensified efforts to clear the two countries from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) through the ongoing Mosul and upcoming Raqqa operations. Turkey and Russia established a mechanism composed of diplomats, soldiers and intelligence officers in order to provide better coordination in Syria, as Turkey has continued its Euphrates Shield Operation since late August.

After the prime ministerial visit, the Turkish-Russian High Level Cooperation Council is expected to convene under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin in January.

[14] Turkey supports Kashmir's right to self-determination, as well as Pakistan's support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.

Erdogan has visited Pakistan on a number of occasions, but this will be his first bilateral visit since rising to the presidency in August 2014.

Erdogan will be accompanied by a high-level entourage, including Ministers and senior officials, as well as a large business delegation, the statement said.

Besides meeting with Hussain, Erdogan will hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif covering a wide range of bilateral matters, as well as regional and international issues.

Erdogan is also scheduled to address a joint session of Parliament. Pakistan's President will host a banquet in honour of the distinguished guest and his entourage. Erdogan will also travel to Lahore, where the Prime Minister will host a banquet in his honor at the Shahi Fort.

"Pakistan and Turkey are bound by an exemplary relationship characterized by warmth, cordiality, and mutual trust. These are embedded deep in history, common faith, cultural and linguistic affinities and a sense of common destiny. Frequent exchanges at the leadership and ministerial levels and growing cooperation in diverse fields are the hallmarks of the unique bonds between Pakistan and Turkey," the statement said.

"The leadership of both countries is committed to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership, in line with the realities of the 21st century. The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the leadership level and a host of other bilateral institutional mechanisms provide an effective platform for frequent exchanges of views," it continued.

Bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey have seen tremendous growth and dynamism in recent years, and both sides are working to boost trade, investment, and commercial cooperation as part of efforts to build a robust economic partnership, the statement said.

The statement also stressed Turkish and Pakistani collaboration on supporting the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir's right to self-determination, as well as Pakistan's support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.

The Pakistani and Turkish leaderships remain strongly committed to further deepening and strengthening bilateral ties in all areas, and Erdogan's visit will further solidify their abiding relationship, the statement concluded.

[15] AKP delivers charter draft to MHP

"The AKP's constitutional draft text has been handed into us officially," MHP leader Devlet Bahceli said in an address to his party group in the parliament. The MHP will scrutinize the text in detail, Bahceli said, stressing that a commission composed of the two parties will finalize the draft "in line with his party's sensitivities".

"As a party, we are examining the text in a very meticulous, careful and detailed manner. We are outlining the articles that we approve or do not approve … We will conclude our work to submit the constitutional changes as soon as possible," he added.

The draft includes a detailed amendment focused on solving the immediate problems in Turkish politics Bahceli said. He recalled his previous criticism of the AKP for imposing a de facto presidential system by decree laws, which led him to propose bringing the constitutional draft to a public vote.

After examination of the draft, the constitutional amendment will be introduced to parliament's Constitution Committee, Bahceli added, calling on the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to participate in the process. "We are hoping to introduce the amendments we have agreed on in the Constitutional Committee to a parliamentary vote as soon as possible," he said.

"The CHP should not be reluctant in this process", Bahceli said, recalling CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu's recent expression of willingness to meet Prime Minister Y?ld?r?m in order to discuss the text.

"Our door is always open," Kilicdaroglu had said on Nov. 13, stressing that his party's stance would not be decided before examining the text.

The CHP has repeatedly declared that it supports strengthening the parliamentary system and opposes any regime change introducing the executive presidential system. "If their doors are open to the prime minister, if they say they would like to see the draft, then let's come together and eliminate the de facto predicaments", MHP head Bahceli said.

[16] "Bird Airlines" is not a member of ICAO or IATA

He added in his post: "It seems that it is a ghost company".

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