Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-11-18

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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 met with the British Ambassador to Turkey

[02] Turkish Cypriot politicians assess the Cyprus problem in view of the resumption of the negotiations in Switzerland

[03] Diyalog discloses agreements and disagreements on the property chapter during the Cyprus talks

[04] The Green Action Group reacted to the creation of two entertainment zones

[05] Durust: "Bird Airlines will fly only if they fulfil the security conditions of the Turkish Armed Forces

[06] Ancient tombs belonging to the Early Bronze Age were discovered in occupied Kouklia village

[07] Kalin: "'Belgium must face the facts and fight extremism"

[08] Turkey and Pakistan agree to sign free trade deal

[09] Veysel Eroglu: "There will be no PM in Turkish presidential system"10. HDP co-chair Demirtas denied attending court hearing after not receiving indictment

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci met with the British Ambassador to Turkey

During the meeting, British High Commissioner to Cyprus Matthew Kidd, the Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami, the Turkish Cypriot member of the negotiating team Erhan Ercin and Akinci's special advisor for political affairs and history Meltem Onurkan Samani were also present.

No statements were issued prior or after the meeting.

(DPs)

[02] Turkish Cypriot politicians assess the Cyprus problem in view of the resumption of the negotiations in Switzerland

"Perhaps in the south they thought that there will be no agreement or that there is no process which will lead to the agreement. The openings made by the Turkish side at a moment they did not expect, however, brought onto the agenda a more serious approach of the south on these issues. The Greek Cypriot leader Anastasiades immediately asked for permission, and came to Cyprus to meet with the presidents of the political parties in the south. Then he goes and sees Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. These developments show that we are close to a solution."

Angolemli argued that almost all issues on the chapter of governance and power sharing have been solved and that the Turkish Cypriots will equally and effectively participate [in the governance] in case of a solution. He also recalled Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci's view that without rotating presidency no solution will be reached. "I think that by the end of 2016, a solution text will come up with very evident lines", he noted.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (18.11.16) reports that Angolemli said that even if the leaders agree on the criteria of the territory chapter, "very tough" negotiations will be conducted on the issue of security and guarantees, because the Greek Cypriots see the maintenance of the Turkish occupation army on the island as threat for their security and the Turkish Cypriots have the completely opposite view. "This problem will be solved, if the USA and Russia mediate", he claimed.

Havadis reports also that Armagan Candan, "deputy" with the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), said that during the first round of the talks in Switzerland progress on the criteria of the territorial adjustments has been added to the progress made on the first four chapters. He argued that the positive stance of the Turkish Cypriot side has been accepted by the UN and all the sides concerned and added that the messages which will be given by the communities in Cyprus will encourage the leaders on the issue of going towards the end.

Moreover, Mustafa Arabacioglu, self-styled deputy with the Democratic Party (DP), argued that there is a negotiating team which works with good will and believes in the solution and added that his party submitted its worries to Akinci. Arabacioglu wished to reach a solution which will include Turkey's effective and active guarantees.

Furthermore, Zorlu Tore, self-styled deputy with the National Unity Party (UBP) claimed that the information which Akinci gives to the political parties is not enough. "We do not fully know which Akinci's openings are", he argued and alleged that "we might come face to face with a situation in which the Turkish Cypriot people will once more become refugees to a serious extent".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Diyalog discloses agreements and disagreements on the property chapter during the Cyprus talks

Continuing its "revelations" on the content of the negotiations, Diyalog argues that the most important part of the agreement reached between the leaders on the property chapter is the right of the "owner" and the "user" to "claim for remedies", in which the compensation, return and exchange of property is included. According to the paper, a list of "affected properties" will be prepared and the decisions will be taken by a Property Committee established by representatives of both communities. One of the articles of the agreement, says the paper, includes the return of a part of big plots of land. If, for example, there is a building in a plot of land of 10 donums, the plot will be returned except for a part which will be necessary for this building.

According to Diyalog, no agreement has been reached on how the prices of the properties will be determined and on how the compensations will be calculated. Furthermore, the Greek Cypriot side wants the road to the European Court of Human rights to remain open, that is, no obstacles to exist for taking to the ECHR the decisions of the Property Commission and the Property Court.

It is reported that agreement has been reached on the definition of concepts such as "the current user", "the person who lost property", "influenced properties" and "places of religious worship", but no details were known on these issues. Diyalog writes that the sides achieved a convergence on the issue of leaving a property outside the scope of the properties to be returned, on the condition there is an agreement on the definition of "essential development".

The "essential development" and "emotional bond" definitions as well as which situation these will cover are still being discussed, writes the paper adding that the issue of whether those who bought the property afterwards will be treated differently and the stage at which the amicable arrangement option will be implemented are also being discussed.

Disagreements exist on the issue of the owner of a plot of land, on which the property is located in case of "vertical essential development", notes Diyalog, adding that "common understanding" exists on the principle that mostly one third of the affected properties should enter into the scope of the properties to be returned. "However, the Greek Cypriot side does not want the determination of an upper limit", notes the paper.

(I/Ts.)

[04] The Green Action Group reacted to the creation of two entertainment zones

Ataoglu also explained that they will shorten the period of the "touch-down" flights from Konya, Eskisehir and Trabzon to the occupied airport of Tymbou. He added that he will be in Azerbaijan on November 29 for promoting work on tourism.

Meanwhile, the Green Action Group asked for the re-evaluation of this initiative, taking into account long term policies and added that the "Ayia Napa model" will create a social trauma in the "country".

(DPs)

[05] Durust: "Bird Airlines will fly only if they fulfil the security conditions of the Turkish Armed Forces

Speaking at a programme at KIBRIS TV, Durust explained that they may "permit" to Bird Airlines to fly from the occupied airport of Tymbou to the whole world in case it obtains positive view from Turkey's General Directorate of Civil Aviation and makes an application by submitting the necessary "permissions" that will get by fulfilling the security conditions that the Turkish Armed Forces set forth.

(DPs)

[06] Ancient tombs belonging to the Early Bronze Age were discovered in occupied Kouklia village

As the paper reports, the ancient tombs were discovered during the excavation works of the so-called antiquities and museums department. The ancient tombs belong to the Early Bronze Age writes the paper, adding that inside the tombs 20 pottery and other ancient ceramics were also found.

In statements on the issue, the "mayor" of the occupied municipality of Pergamos expressed happiness over the discovery of the tombs which are of very important archeological value and stated that they are ready to provide any kind of support to the experts of the "antiquities department".

(AK)

[07] Kalin: "'Belgium must face the facts and fight extremism"

"The Belgian government must adopt a sincere, decisive, and principled attitude towards the fight against extremism and take steps to rectify crucial mistakes without delay rather than denying the clear facts," Kalin said in a statement.

Mentioning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's claims about the Belgian government's support for both the PKK and Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO), Kalin said its support for the PKK, which is described as an extremist organization by the U.S. and the EU, is known by the international community.

"However," he continued, "according to Belgian press reports, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel argued that President Erdogan's statements were 'absurd, unfounded, and defamatory' and warned the Turkish government not to interfere with Belgium's internal affairs."

He added: "It is not possible to understand the reaction of the Belgian government, which has been following an unprincipled attitude towards the fight against extremism, in the face of the rightful criticism of our President."

Kalin said that the Belgian authorities' policy on the PKK was revealed clearly when they allowed a PKK tent during the Turkey-EU summit this March and in August, when they allowed a march by PKK supporters marking the anniversary of its first extremism attack in 1984.

(…)

[08] Turkey and Pakistan agree to sign free trade deal

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on an official visit to Pakistan with a business delegation accompanying him.

During the joint press conference following the one-to-one delegation meeting held with Erdogan at the Prime Ministry building, Sharif said that the relations between the two countries date back to a deep-rooted past. Stressing that he held a very inclusive meeting with President Erdogan, Sharif said they decided to turn current relations into a strategic partnership by mainly focusing on its economic dimension, establishing the foundation of this economic cooperation on solid ground by taking important steps especially in the fields of trade, mutual investment and economy. He stressed that both parties agreed on the completion of the free trade agreement expected to be signed between the two countries before 2017.

President Erdogan said they aim to increase the trade volume to $1 billion as soon as possible, adding that Turkey and Pakistan should develop and "walk to the future" in accordance with the "win-win" principle by taking crucial steps together in the fields of politics, military, economy, culture, energy, infrastructure and superstructure.

Highlighting that the close dialogue that was established between the parameters of the two countries should be maintained in the coming period, Erdogan urged both sides to strengthen cooperation in both trade and investment, pointing out that the continuation of the cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan is getting stronger day by day will and set an example for the Islamic world.

(…)

[09] Veysel Eroglu: "There will be no PM in Turkish presidential system"Turkish daily Sabah (17.11.16) reported that the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) constitutional proposal, which was sent to the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for its finishing touches, is expected to be submitted to Parliament by the end of the week and details of the proposal continue to be revealed.

Speaking to the editorial board at Anadolu Agency (AA), Eroglu provided new information about the presidential system that is planned to be voted on in a referendum in spring. He said that the AK Party's constitutional proposal was presented to the MHP, and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahceli announced that the presidential statement was included in the proposal draft. He also reminded that all the political parties had promised "to change the Constitution" in their election campaigns.

Eroglu answered question regarding whether the system will include a Prime Minister, by saying: "There won't be a Prime Minister in the new system and there will be more than one Vice President, unlike the American system, which restricts the number of Vice Presidents to one. Ministers will come from the outside [of Parliament]. Parliament will prepare legislative acts. Such a system is being considered."

Eroglu also said they did not foresee a short-term election, meaning the election would be held in 2019 - the next election year.

Eroglu reminded of Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m's call to the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the AK Party Parliamentary Group for cooperation and said that CHP's objection to the text before reading it is strange. He also refuted K?l?cdaroglu's "Presidential system is a regime debate," and said, "The regime won't be changed. Democracy, the Republic, it is our regime. No one has the intention to change the regime," concluded Eroglu.

[10] HDP co-chair Demirtas denied attending court hearing after not receiving indictment

The first hearing of the case, in which Demirtas is charged with making terror propaganda and faces up to five years in prison, took place in the southern province of Adana on November 17.

The guardian in the prison in which Demirtas is being held captive in the northwestern province of Edirne told the courtroom that he would not be participating the hearing through the voice and video informatics system (SEGBIS). The guardian also said the necessary explanation for the decision would be given by his lawyers.

A number of lawyers participated in the hearing, which was held at the 2nd Adana Court of Serious Crimes. The hearing in the case was postponed until January 10, 2017.

Ten HDP lawmakers, including co-chairs Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, were arrested in a probe launched against 14 of the party's Deputies over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Meanwhile, a HDP Deputy from the southeastern province of Urfa criticized Parliamentary Speaker Ismail Kahraman "for remaining silent in the face of the operations."

"What kind of Parliamentary Speaker are you? Your members are in jail and in solitary confinement and you say nothing," Osman Baydemir said in Parliament, adding that no charter or law could be legitimate when a party's co-chairs are in jail.

"No one can say that the Parliament is functioning when our co-chairs are in jail. No law or charter that's going to be prepared will be legitimate," he said. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/AM)

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