Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-12-02

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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: Last night's meeting helped in overcoming the deadlock in the Cyprus talks

[02] The community leaders met for the first time after Mont Pelerin; New round of talks in Switzerland on 9 January

[03] Akinci will carry out contacts in Brussels between December 5 and 7

[04] Erdogan, Merkel discuss Cyprus talks, Aleppo over phone

[05] Cavusoglu and Lavrov discussed the Cyprus problem

[06] Kurtulmus reiterated that Turkey will not renounce its guarantee rights on Cyprus

[07] Reactions continue in the occupied area of Cyprus after the deadly accident

[08] Turkey not guest but host in Europe, Erdogan claims

[09] Turkey to hold constitutional referendum 'early summer'

[10] TUSIAD wants Turkey's state of emergency to end

[11] Turkey: Daily claims Binali Yildirim to be replaced by Erdogan' son-in-law Berat Albayrak as Prime Minister

[12] "DPO" announced its "middle-term planning program" for the period 2017-2019

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: Last night's meeting helped in overcoming the deadlock in the Cyprus talks

Replying to questions before entering into the "assembly", Akinci noted that "now there is a date for a five-party conference" and added: "We know what we will do before that. We know that the guarantor countries will be invited to this conference. Therefore, a new situation is opened before us. I wish for us to reach together a solution to this problem that lasts for years by working fruitfully there".

Asked to comment on the fact that the process was prolonged in 2017, Akinci replied: "One-two weeks are not important. Besides, we were saying that the general outlines of the solution should come out by the end of 2016, and that the constitution, the federal laws and some technical details regarding the implementation of the solution will remain for the first months of 2017. Moreover, we should give our people few months to read, understand and discuss this. We were referring to a referendum in the mid-2017. This was extended for 9-10 days from the end of the year. Let us reach a solution and let this be the whole delay".

(I/Ts.)

[02] The community leaders met for the first time after Mont Pelerin; New round of talks in Switzerland on 9 January

Noting that an "important step for melting the ice" between the two leaders was taken, the paper publishes a statement issued after the dinner by the UN. Under the title "At last the guarantors at the table on 12 January", the paper reports that the statement says that the negotiations will continue in Geneva on 9 January, maps will be exchanged on 11 January and a conference with the participation of the guarantor powers will be organized on 12 January.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (02.12.16), reports that the fact that the two leaders accepted to attend last night's dinner was a positive development for the resumption of the negotiations. The paper argues that the Turkish Cypriot leader aims to an early solution and that last night he conveyed to the table his insistence on setting a date for a five-party conference. According to the paper, Akinci told the UN that in case a date for a five-party conference is determined, the Turkish side is ready to discuss everything on a 24-hour basis so that the conference to give a positive result.

The Turkish side sees positively the creation of a climate in which everything could be discussed in parallel to a five-party conference, writes Havadis arguing that neither the Greek Cypriot side wants interruption of the process at the stage which it reached, but it allegedly opposes to intensive negotiations for a solution.

It is certain, adds Havadis, that the meeting to be held between Turkey and Greece within the next few days will influence the Cyprus negotiations. Diplomatic sources claim that Greece's stance during this meeting will be decisive and in case Greece comes to the table with the approach that "it is not possible to accept guarantees", it will deal a great blow to the procedure. In case Greece comes by giving the message that it is ready to agree on a new formula of guarantees, Turkey will definitely respond positively, alleges the paper claiming that in the diplomatic backstage it is said that Britain should undertake a more active role as the third guarantor power. It is argued that behind closed doors Boris Johnson, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, opposed to his country's withdrawal from the island especially on the issue of guarantees.

It is also argued that Greek Cypriot side's claim that the negotiations collapsed because of the disagreement on the number of the Greek Cypriots, who will return was not right. Diplomatic sources told Havadis that essentially the problem is not this and that it derives from the difference in the two sides' philosophy. The sources told Havadis that the numbers are important and that while the Turkish side suggested 29,2% on the territory issue, the Greek Cypriot side suggested 28,2%. "These percentages will be adjusted and will be reflected on the map in a manner that at least 78 thousand Greek Cypriots to return [to the places to be returned] taking into consideration the numbers of the Greek Cypriot population in the villages before 1974", said the sources and claimed: "When the Turkish side attempts to draw a map of 29,2% with this understanding, it will come face to face with the result of giving all places in the territory. In this case, it will accept giving Morfou as well from the very beginning to the Greek Cypriot side".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci will carry out contacts in Brussels between December 5 and 7

(DPs)

[04] Erdogan, Merkel discuss Cyprus talks, Aleppo over phone

The two leaders exchanged views on Cyprus peace talks and discussed the latest developments in Syria, especially the conflict-hit city Aleppo, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

During the conversation, Erdogan said that Turkey wanted a fair, lasting, and comprehensive solution that protected both sides' rights in the island.

In addition, the Turkish President said that the European Union must fulfill its obligations about the refugees and expected Merkel to put forward a more active fight against terrorist PKK and Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Germany. On Aleppo, the two leaders stressed the need to speed up efforts for delivery of humanitarian aid to Aleppo.

[05] Cavusoglu and Lavrov discussed the Cyprus problem

Speaking during a joint press conference after the meeting, Cavusoglu stated that he briefed Lavrov on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem. "We have discussed today several regional issues. In fact, Turkey and Russia could take joint action to solve several issues. I briefed him also about the latest developments on the Cyprus problem. Russia's support at this stage is very important. […]", Cavusoglu said.

(AK)

[06] Kurtulmus reiterated that Turkey will not renounce its guarantee rights on Cyprus

(DPs)

[07] Reactions continue in the occupied area of Cyprus after the deadly accident

Under the title "Anger has grown", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper reports about the issue noting that the Trade Union Platform went on a general strike while many students and protestors marched at the streets of the occupied part of Lefkosia despite the heavy rain. The students shouted slogans like: "We do not want to go to school in the dark and "This anger cannot be ceased".

Reporting on the same issue, Vatan writes that hundreds of students protested in front of the "prime ministry" calling on the "government" to take measures for preventing traffic accidents and also to adjust the clock to winter time. Tension rose during the protest and the door of the "prime ministry's office" broke down and as a result a quarrel took place between the protestors and the "police", according to the paper. Slogans like "It is raining, it is flooding and the murder-state is watching from the window", "Murders", "It is Europe and not Saudi Arabia here" were heard at the protest.

Under the title "Thousands of angers", Afrika writes that the funerals of the three people who died at the tragic accident took place yesterday while a fourth people who was injured at the accident as well is in a very critical condition. The paper notes that KTOS Trade Union (the trade union of elementary school teachers), issued a statement noting that is insisting the clocks to be turned one hour back, adopting the winter time. KTOS also stated that until this adjustment is made the Union will carry out a strike for one hour every morning and the schools as a result will start at 9.00 in the morning.

Finally, reporting on the same issue, Yeni Duzen writes that: "These hours will change" and added that despite the rain the protestors gathered and marched in front of the "prime ministry". The paper also reports that a fine of 1, 834 Turkish Lira was imposed at the company that employed the driver of the lorry that caused the accident because he did not renew his working permit.

(CS)

[08] Turkey not guest but host in Europe, Erdogan claims

"Neither the European Union nor the European countries that are on the brink of falling into the clutches of racism can exclude Turkey from Europe. We are not a guest but a host in Europe," Erdogan told a meeting with mukhtars (village heads) at the presidential complex.

He argued that the problems Turkey is going through with some European countries are current political disputes.

"If the EU is ready to put aside its meaningless hostility and double standards against Turkey, we are ready for full membership to the EU," he said.

Erdogan vowed to "show goodwill" after the 28-union bloc took a step on what he said were visa-free travel, €6 billion aid for refugees, and opening on new chapters in EU membership talks.

"The term of one-sided commitment is over," Erdogan said, adding Turkey was tired of waiting for an answer from the EU for over 50 years.

"If Europe does its part, then we will stand behind all of our promises. Otherwise, it is their own choice!" he added.

Turkey and the EU signed a refugee deal in March, which aimed to discourage irregular migration through the Aegean Sea by taking stricter measures against human traffickers and improving the conditions of nearly three million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The March 18 deal also allowed for the acceleration of Turkey's EU membership bid and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals within the Schengen area.

In a joint statement dated Nov. 29, 2015, the EU and Turkey had confirmed their commitment to re-energise the accession process. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987, while accession talks began in 2005.

However, almost a year later, on Nov. 24, the European Parliament approved a non-binding motion to freeze EU-membership talks with Turkey, in response to post-coup investigations and recent developments in the country including measures taken within the framework of the fight against the PKK and FETO terrorist groups.

Following the EP's vote, Erdogan warned to open the country's borders and allow refugees into the EU.

The EU countries' leaders also decided to evaluate relations with Turkey at the EU summit on Dec. 15 and 16.

[09] Turkey to hold constitutional referendum 'early summer'

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the leader of opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli in Ankara, Yildirim said that a referendum was possible early next summer "if everything goes well."

"The law is very clear. A referendum is expected within 60 days after the Parliament concludes the negotiations," he said.

Yildirim, who is also the head of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party said that the draft constitution would be submitted to the Turkish Parliament the following week.

"The proposal, of course, will be a text that the MHP agrees upon or one that has been negotiated and agreed on," he added.

The Premier also said that the most important amendment to the Constitution would concern the ties between a president-elect and his/her political party, which he said would continue.

The current constitution says a president should cut off ties with the political party he or she is associated with.

MHP leader Bahceli, for his part, said that the meeting was "positive," and a draft would soon be sent to parliament.

The government has long sought to replace the current parliamentary system with a presidential one, saying there are flaws in the set up, which also holds back Turkey's development.

Last month, Yildirim said a committee within the AK Party had completed its work on a draft constitution that also included items for a presidential system.

The new constitutional draft needs 330 votes to pave the way for a referendum. The AK Party, with 316 seats, and the MHP, with 40, both back the bill.

[10] TUSIAD wants Turkey's state of emergency to end

"Security concerns have been raised within the framework of combating terrorism and stopping the coup. But some state of emergency practices are causing a loss in confidence in our economy," Basaran-Symes said at TUSIAD's High Advisory Council meeting in Ankara, speaking ahead of Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m.

"We expect the state of emergency to be terminated as soon as possible. We are waiting for an end to the government's emergency decrees," she added, referring to decrees that go into effect without parliament's approval under the state of emergency, which was extended for three months in October.

"Turkey needs to normalize. It is not possible to properly operate the market economy without a strong and just legal system and a fair taxing system. We need to portray a growth story immediately," the TUSIAD head said.

Touching on recent tensions between Brussels and Turkey, Basaran-Symes said Ankara should not step back from its earlier decisions in favor of joining the EU as a member.

"We find the discussions on [reinstating] the death penalty worrying. Turkey's EU relations are on the verge of a new insecurity," she added.

Capital punishment has not been implemented in Turkey since 1984, and was formally abolished officially in 2004 as part of the country's bid to join the EU. However, following the failed July 15 coup attempt, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would approve reinstating the death penalty - a move that would scupper EU talks – if parliament passes such a law.

[11] Turkey: Daily claims Binali Yildirim to be replaced by Erdogan' son-in-law Berat Albayrak as Prime Minister

"[…] Dissenting voices from among the government members, some parliamentary Deputies and some AKP [Justice and Development Party] executives are making the Palace very angry.[…] My "ear to the ground" source in Ankara said, "Binali Yildirim is being held responsible for many things and nobody should be surprised if he is soon declared a scapegoat and removed from office." So, if Yildirim has reached his use-by date and is going to be replaced, who is going to replace him? My source said: "In actual fact Erdogan has had his heart set on his son-in-law since day one. But under those conditions he opted for Binali Yildirim so that nobody would say he made his son-in-law the Prime Minister."

Erdogan has supposedly been telling his inner circle over the past few days, "I made a mistake right at the start; I was going to go with my first idea." As for Berat Albayrak; it is said that he already works like the Prime Minister. The Ministers cannot do anything without his knowledge. No Minister can go to the Palace without receiving Berat Albayrak's approval first. The projects they have prepared, the decisions they are going to make, even the circulars that they are going to publish inside their ministries are first submitted to Albayrak for approval. Berat Albayrak then discusses them with the Palace and informs the pertinent Minister of the outcome.

I said this in an earlier column of mine. There are only four people who can easily approach Erdogan in the Palace. One of them is Berat Albayrak.

Erdogan's trust in his inner circle had diminished considerably since the religionist fascist insurrection of 15 July and he holds one-on-one meetings with very few people. Nobody can approach him without being frisked many times over.

My "ear to the ground" source says that the disquiet within the AKP can no longer be kept under wraps. For one thing, Prime Minister Yildirim has not been able to stomach the dressing down he was given by the Palace media with respect to the bill on sexual harassment crimes.

It is also being said that some of the government members are uneasy with the way the operations being conducted on Syrian soil are straying from the original goal. It is said that they believe Erdogan's comment, […]

Meanwhile, the latest bomb asserts that Erdogan is scrutinizing some of Binali Yildirim's relationships with the private sector. […]

The political back-stages in Anakra are now saying that the "final furlong" has been entered with respect to the presidential system. According to leaked information, it is believed that the MHP is going to lend its support to the constitutional changes that will allow Erdogan to become executive president despite the "snags." The 330 votes necessary for a referendum will be achieved if at least 14 MHP Deputies lend their support. AKP sources are sure that if the presidential system gets put to a referendum it will be accepted. If Erdogan is unsure that the requisite 300 votes are a certainty some excuse will be made and the constitutional changes will be put off to a later date. Erdogan does not want the 330 business to suffer any accidents at all.

From what I have found out from sources close to the Palace, this is precisely why Erdogan asked for lists of all AKP and MHP Deputies. His is conducting a thorough study of these Deputies. He is trying to determine which Deputies, both AKP and MHP, might possibly vote against the presidential system."

[12] "DPO" announced its "middle-term planning program" for the period 2017-2019

The "middle-term planning program" was announced by the "press and public relations office department" of the so-called prime ministry. It included the economic developments worldwide and the "TRNC", the goals for the above mentioned period, indicators, the macroeconomic policy and goals, the basic economic indicators and the principles, policies, goals and implementations in the economic sector.

The "middle-term program" envisages among others that the goal for the "economic development" of the "TRNC" for the period of 2017-2019, is for the development to be between 5-5,5%. It envisages for the occupied regime's gross domestic product (GSYH) to reach at the end of the two-year period to 15, 396.3 million TL, from 10,222.5 million that it was in 2015.

Regarding the employment, the goal being set is to reach to 126,324 workforce at the end of 2019, compared with 2015 that it was 112,811. Also, among the goals is for the percentage of participation to employment to reach to 47.7% and the unemployment rate at the end of the program to go down to 7.2%, comparing with 2015.

Regarding the "imports and exports", the goal of the program is for the "imports" that were 1,500,6 million dollars in 2015, to reach to 2,094.3 million dollars in 2019 and the "exports" that were 118.1 million dollars in 2015 to reach to 160.4 million dollars in 2019.

Also, the "program" envisages that the net-income from the "sector of tourism" to be increased from 697.7 million dollars to 791 million dollars and also the net income from the "higher education" to increase from 636.2 million TL to 744.3 million TL.

The prediction for the inflation during the period 2017-2019 is that it will be on the level of 5.1% on an average.

(…)

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