Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-12-15

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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] TDP to accompany Akinci in the Geneva Summit

[02] Turkish Deputy claims that at the Cyprus negotiations the Turkish side became a minority

[03] Ozgur: Radio Vatan calls on those who consider an agreement possible to move to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

[04] Ozgurgun reiterated that Cyprus talks are carried out in close consultation with Turkey

[05] Ataoglu: A great majority of Turks do not even know what language and money is used in Cyprus

[06] Rocks Hotel in occupied Keryneia was purchased by its current administrator

[07] Data about the stone quarries in the breakaway regime

[08] CTP to attend a meeting of Socialist International in Spain

[09] KTOEOS' chairman Gokcebel to represent the whole of Cyprus in ETUCE

[10] Gokcekus was removed as head of YODAK by Akinci

[11] "Development Bank's general assembly" held in the occupied area of Cyprus

[12] Ankara snubs EU decision to halt accession talks

[13] Three party leaders vow joint fight against terror

[14] A mobilization by Turkey on Aleppo; Tripartite meeting in Moscow

[15] Operation Euphrates Shield update: Turkish jets hit 84 Daesh targets in northern Syria

[16] Imprisoned HDP co-chair Demirtas taken to hospital after suffering heart spasm

[17] PKK bomber in Istanbul attack came from Syria, Cavusoglu says

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] TDP to accompany Akinci in the Geneva Summit

According to the paper, the chairman of TDP, Cemal Ozyigit, sent a written reply yesterday to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, thanking him for the invitation.

Ozyigit underlined in the letter of response that the TDP would accept his invitation and attend the summit, adding that the party would continue contributing to the efforts aiming to reach a fair, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and to the efforts for the unification of the island with two" yes" in possible referenda.

(AK)

[02] Turkish Deputy claims that at the Cyprus negotiations the Turkish side became a minority

Speaking exclusively to Kibrisli, Halacoglu said that 29,5% of land is likely to be left to the Turkish side during the Cyprus negotiations. However, he said, if someone considers the churches, the land percentage is reduced to 25%. He claimed that a large part of Cyprus belongs to Evkaf and that no other land compromises should be made. "Some of the advantages should not be transformed into disadvantages", he stated. He also alleged that properties that belong to Turkish Evkaf should not be transferred or be donated because they are under the protection of international law.

Halacoglu also refereed to Turkish guarantees and claimed that they should be applied to the whole of Cyprus and not only to the Turkish side, since, as "this is the only way to gain international character.

(CS)

[03] Ozgur: Radio Vatan calls on those who consider an agreement possible to move to the government-controlled area of Cyprus

Referring to the events in Aleppo, Ozrgur claimed that if an agreement in Cyprus is not reached, the island could turn into Aleppo. He added: "[…] While the situation is this, the radio of the civil defense [organization] broadcasts announcements saying that 'those who think that we can agree with the Greek Cypriots, should go to the south'. The energy issue is on the agenda in Cyprus and negotiations are being conducted in order for the two sides to agree, that is, to determine the fate of the country together. Our president is conducting these negotiations. How can Radio Vatan broadcast such things? Is the wish not to have an agreement and for Cyprus to turn into Aleppo? […] Some people must undertake responsibility on this issue, that is, the prime minister, and put an end to these announcements".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Ozgurgun reiterated that Cyprus talks are carried out in close consultation with Turkey

Addressing a conference organized by the Turkish Journalists Confederation, the Mediterranean Journalists Association and the Young Journalists Society based in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Ozgurgun said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" were an indispensable part of the Turkish nation and that there was an unbreakable bond between the two "countries".

In a short briefing on the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun alleged that the Turkish Cypriot "people" were saved from annihilation in the hands of Greece and Greek Cypriots by the timely "intervention of the Turkish Armed Forces in 1974" (editor's note: Turkish invasion to Cyprus in 1974) prompted by a coup carried out by the Greek Junta.

Noting that Turkey has been by the Turkish Cypriots' side ever since, extending its support in all fields as well as on the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun added that negotiations aimed at settling the Cyprus problem were being carried out in close consultation with Turkey.

Pointing out that there were very small groups in the "TRNC" encouraged by outside forces aiming to harm the relations and the unbreakable bond between the two "countries", Ozgurgun said that such attempts were futile.

He further said that it is crucial that the media in Turkey inform the Turkish public accurately and responsibly on developments regarding the "TRNC" and the Cyprus problem and added: "This is a necessity of ethical and principled journalism".

[05] Ataoglu: A great majority of Turks do not even know what language and money is used in Cyprus

Addressing a panel on the role of the press in the relations between Turkey and the breakaway regime and the "changing perception for tourism", Ataoglu said that following the survey they decided to promote the occupied area of Cyprus in ten Turkish provinces starting from Bolu area. Not only tourism, but also education, constructions, culture and businesses are to be promoted.

Referring to the members of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot journalists' organizations who participated in the panel, Ataoglu argued that they had "serious duty" as regards the breakaway regime's promotion in the press.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Rocks Hotel in occupied Keryneia was purchased by its current administrator

The paper writes that according to the "law" on compensation, exchange and return of immovable property within the scope of "subparagraph B of paragraph 1 of article 159 of the constitution", immovable property, the "ownership" of which belongs to natural or legal persons, except for the "state", could be purchased by its lessee from its pre-1974 [Greek Cypriot] owner, provided that the former has a lease contract for at least three years and that they have obtained the "permission" of the "Immovable Property Commission" and a decision by the "council of ministers".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Data about the stone quarries in the breakaway regime

The paper notes that stone quarries cause a serious environmental problem and have a negative effect on human health. The paper also reports on the poor working conditions and safety standards adding that in the last 14 years 56 accidents and 6 deaths occurred in the stone quarries.

(CS)

[08] CTP to attend a meeting of Socialist International in Spain

The party will be represented in the meeting hosted by the Socialist Labor Party of Spain, by Armagan Candan, "deputy" with CTP and "member of the central committee" of the party.

In the framework of the meeting, Candan will deliver a speech on the current stage of the Cyprus negotiation process.

(…)

(AK)

[09] KTOEOS' chairman Gokcebel to represent the whole of Cyprus in ETUCE

According to a statement issued by KTOES, the European region of Education International, which took place in Belgrade on December 5-8, 2016, under the title: "Sustainable financing for quality education".

(…)

(AK)

[10] Gokcekus was removed as head of YODAK by Akinci

Prof. Gokcekus was removed from his post by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci following the completion of an inquiry on allegations that he had not executed his duties and responsibilities impartially.

The head of the council is appointed by the "president".

Prof. Gokcekus has been replaced by Prof. Dr Akile Sarioglu Buke.

According to a press release by Akinci's office, "Prof. Dr Huseyin Gokcekus was relieved of his post on grounds that he failed to conduct his duties as required on the basis of the fundamental principles of impartiality, truthfulness, equality, competence and merit".

The statement also urged YODAK to focus all its energy on further elevating the level of academic performance in the "country" and on regainning its capability to administer higher education in line with the "country's laws" and democratic principles.

Meanwhile, Prof. Gokcekus issued a statement criticizing Akinci's decision to remove him from office, stating that the launch of an inquiry, despite the view expressed by the "Chief Prosecutor" that there was no misconduct, was thought provoking.

[11] "Development Bank's general assembly" held in the occupied area of Cyprus

Speaking at the "general assembly of the TRNC Development Bank" yesterday, Ozgurgun said that the aim of the reform program was to strengthen the competitiveness of the "TRNC economy". "We are giving a lot of importance to large sized enterprises just as we are giving importance of SMEs" he added.

He said that "it was important that the Development Bank which was an important source of economic investments in the country was not experiencing a shortage of liquid funds and was currently restructuring itself to provide faster and more reliable banking".

Among those who attended and addressed the event was the self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun, the self-styled minister of health, Faiz Sucuoglu, and the self-styled minister of tourism and environment, Fikri Ataoglu.

Sucuoglu stated that the "TRNC Development Bank" had given out loans in the field of health amounting to 7.5 million dollars. He said that sector representatives needed incentives in order for this figure to increase.

Underlining the importance of health tourism, Sucuoglu said that the money spent on health tourism was 7 times more than the money spent on culture tourism.

Ataoglu, for his part, highlighted the importance of the "development bank" for tourism, adding that the sector had grown considerably with the serious support of the bank. He also said that the "government" was in contact with the "development bank" to overcome the problems faced by small investors.

Atun, who also spoke at the event, pointed to the importance of keeping politics out of the affairs of the "Development Bank". He explained that loans from now on would be given out in Turkish Liras in a bid to minimize the effects of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

[12] Ankara snubs EU decision to halt accession talks

"Not opening new chapters means let's not talk anymore. This indicates a lack of self-confidence", Celik said Dec. 14 while speaking to the press on the sidelines of an event held by the Kebler Foundation in Berlin.

Meanwhile, Celik has also described condemnations on terrorism and messages of solidarity from leading European politicians after the Dec. 10 suicide bomb attack, as more positive compared to similar reactions in the past. "Still, words are not enough. We should look at deeds", he said, calling on Europe to take action against terror groups that are active in Turkey.

[13] Three party leaders vow joint fight against terror

"The topic of terrorism is above politics. The party leaders expressed their intention to contribute to any kinds of action that needs to be taken, in their decision and in the legal regulations", Yildirim said in a joint press conference after the trio's meeting.

The Prime Minister met with the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, at the Prime Ministry's Cankaya Mansion.

The third biggest party in Parliament, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), was not invited to the meeting.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Kilicdaroglu said: "We agreed that all political parties should have a joint stance against terror. Eighty million people in Turkey should take a common stance".

Bahceli reiterated the call for a common fight. "The meeting guided by maturity as our people expected. The political parties demanded that the struggle against terror continue with a sharp and fierce determination".

[14] A mobilization by Turkey on Aleppo; Tripartite meeting in Moscow

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin discussed the human tragedy in Aleppo and bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The two leaders agreed that the partial cease-fire agreement, which was agreed on Tuesday, should be fully implemented and violations of the agreement should be prevented. They also confirmed the decision to jointly start the evacuation of the civilians and the opposition from Aleppo as soon as possible.

Erdogan said that Turkey was ready to take all necessary measures regarding temporary shelters and humanitarian aid following the opening of secure corridors.

Erdogan and Putin also talked about Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's latest visit to Moscow, the steps to normalize the bilateral relations, and efforts to strengthen cooperation in all areas, especially in the energy sector.

On the same issue, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 15.12.16) reports that according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke by phone with his Russian and Iranian counterparts on the situation in Aleppo on Wednesday, as Ankara tried to keep a fragile truce in the besieged Syrian city on track.

Foreign ministry sources did not provide details of the talks between Cavusoglu and his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif.

Earlier on Wednesday, Cavusoglu spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "It is easier for Moscow to reach a deal with Turkey -on Aleppo- than with the U.S.", Lavrov was quoted as saying.

"It is our wish that no one point the finger at someone else in such a humanitarian situation. There is an agreement here, and this must also be implemented," Cavusoglu said.

Meanwhile, Ankara Anatolia news agency (14.12.16) reports that Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also had a phone conversation on Wednesday, which was dominated by the situation in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, diplomatic sources said.

According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the two Ministers discussed the current developments in Syria, especially in Aleppo.

Cavusoglu mentioned the importance of the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo and added that Turkey continued resolutely its efforts to that end.

He said that the Assad regime and its supporters violated a cease-fire in eastern Aleppo.

Moreover, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 15.12.16) reports that Cavusoglu has said that Turkey, Iran and Russia will meet at a summit of Foreign Ministers in Moscow on Dec. 27 to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire in Aleppo.

"The best solution [on Syria] is always a political one. We are making efforts to provide a ceasefire across the entire country and at the same time to initiate a resumption of negotiations. Our efforts will continue in this direction," Cavusoglu told private broadcaster TGRT late on Dec. 14.

[15] Operation Euphrates Shield update: Turkish jets hit 84 Daesh targets in northern Syria

In airstrikes targeting Daesh-held buildings in northern Syria, Turkish jets hit 84 targets, the statement read. The TSK said that the targets included shelters, defensive positions and command-and-control facilities.

In addition, 10 targets in the al-Bab and Qabr al-Muqri regions were hit by Turkish warplanes..

Wednesday marks the 113th day of the operation, which began in late August to improve security, support coalition forces and eliminate the terror threat along Turkey's border using Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters backed by Turkish armour, artillery and jets.

[16] Imprisoned HDP co-chair Demirtas taken to hospital after suffering heart spasm

Gendarmerie soldiers took high security measures around the hospital.

Demirtas suffered a heart spasm in jail on Dec. 10, HDP lawmaker Ayhan Bilgen said on Dec. 12.

"We are concerned about our co-chair's medical condition. We will apply to the Turkish Chamber of Doctors and request that Demirtas receive treatment in hospital by impartial doctors", Bilgen said.

Demirtas has previously suffered a heart spasm but has reportedly been denied medical treatment despite presenting a medical referral.

[17] PKK bomber in Istanbul attack came from Syria, Cavusoglu says

One of the suicide bombers that attacked Ankara, Abdulbaki Somer, also came from Syria. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs/AA)

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