Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-12-27

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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: The United Federal Cyprus and not the Republic of Cyprus will be the one to sign the agreement for the new state of affairs

[02] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Both the meat and the knife are in Erdogan's hand on the security and guarantees

[03] Ak?nc? met with Kidd

[04] Ozersay: "Agreements reached at the negotiations on population and residence are worse than the Annan Plan

[05] Siber met with Erdogan in Ankara

[06] Cavusoglu on the Cyprus problem

[07] Ertugruloglu due to Ankara for contacts; He stated that UBP will be attending the Geneva summit

[08] Turkish daily reportedly says that the occupation regime's ties with Ankara are in tension

[09] Serdar Denktas has been re-elected as chairman of DP; He alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are not ready economically for a solution

[10] Russian Ambassador: The idea for Russia being in Geneva belongs to the Republic of Cyprus

[11] A survey shows that 89,4% of the Turkish Cypriots are in favor of the presence of the Turkish army after the solution; HP is the first party

[12] Reports for big investments in the breakaway regime

[13] The breakaway regime aims to increase its health tourism

[14] Claims that there care 700,000 Turkish Cypriots living abroad

[15] Erdogan: "We will never allow the formation of a news state in Syria"

[16] Police detain HDP Deputy head Aysel Tugluk in Ankara

[17] 1,682 suspects detained in anti-terror operations in one week

[18] First trials in FETO's coup attempt begun

[19] Turkey boasts 'sixth-largest' diplomatic network in the world

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: The United Federal Cyprus and not the Republic of Cyprus will be the one to sign the agreement for the new state of affairs

Referring to the same statements, Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.12.16) reports that Akinci said that more than 100 issues exist in the Cyprus negotiations and that the most important of them are 8-10 issues, from which the difficulties derive. He noted that if there is a result on these issues, a referendum could be held in summer 2017.

Akinci said that during the Geneva summit, the difficult issues which need to be settled will be discussed, maps will be submitted to the table in case there is a result on issues concerning the governance and the property, including the territory, and then the discussion will be focused on the security and guarantees.

Akinci reiterated that the agreement reached on 1 December is clear providing that the two sides will be holding negotiations between 9 and 11 January and the guarantor powers will join the discussions on 12 January. He said that there is no decision providing for the presence of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council at the table and argued that there is no need for this.

Furthermore, Akinci expressed the view that the United Federal Cyprus and not the Republic of Cyprus will be the one which will sign the new state of affairs to be established in the island.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkish Cypriot columnist: Both the meat and the knife are in Erdogan's hand on the security and guarantees

"Now the eyes are in Geneva. On 11 and 12 January actually! There is not much enthusiasm regarding the first three days. On 11 January maps will be submitted to the UN. On 12 January the guarantors will be at the table. Very well, was there a preparation for the 'guarantees' or the 'security'? No! I understood the following: Both the meat and the knife are in Erdogan's hand! Do you say 'unfortunately' or 'just be happy that we have come to this stage'? I do not know!

Yesterday we met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci at the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union. Since he was elected, Akinci and his team exerted a serious effort. We saw and criticized some of his 'deficiencies'. Sometimes we waited for courageous leadership or we wanted him to demolish and go beyond the ordinary of what was happening for years. […] Again, we see that Akinci has carried out a strong work for Cyprus peace and focused on the sensitivities of all communities.

The eyes now will be on 12 January and on some serious chapters! The most important of course is the security and guarantees! However, the 'territory', the 'property', the 'rotating presidency' and the 'effective participation in the decisions' are also components of the solution. The guarantees are the end of the issue. We said that both the meat and the knife are in Erdogan's hand. In spite of this, Akinci has also some 'exercises of ideas'.

[01] The Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey want the continuation of the guarantees.

[02] The one side's demand for security must not be the other side's threat.

[03] We do not have the approach that a single comma or a full stop of the guarantees' system cannot be touched.

[04] 'Zero troops, zero guarantees' immediately must not be asked.

[05] We could have a 15-year transition period.

[06] Our fears must not prevent cooperation. Let us see the distribution of the natural gas over Turkey. Let us see that the water, which came from Turkey, is given to the entire island. Let us live how the solution proceeds.

[07] I do not claim that 40 thousand troops must remain, but some troops must remain.

[08] Turkey's deterrent power is important for the federal states surviving and guarantee.

[09] Britain and Greece might not want guarantors, but we are the ones who are the minority.

[10] I do not see in the shadow of the army forever the guarantee perception in the country, but time is needed for mutual trust to blossom.

[11] One of the alternatives is Turkey's guarantee for the founding state in the north. […]"

[03] Ak?nc? met with Kidd

The two discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well as the upcoming critical conference on Cyprus set to take place in Geneva next month during which the two sides will tackle among other issues, the thorny chapter on security and guarantees.

The meeting took place at the so-called presidential palace. No statement was issued to the press before or after the meeting.

[04] Ozersay: "Agreements reached at the negotiations on population and residence are worse than the Annan Plan

Ozersay, who issued a written statement, claimed that the agreements give the de facto right to the Greek Cypriots to residence at the Turkish Cypriot founding state and argued that in this case each community will not be able to have a "clear and big majority" at its own region. "Where is the bi-zonallity then?", Ozersay asked and alleged the following: "If when an agreement is reached you allow to 44,000 Greek Cypriots to build their residence in the north and give them the right to elect and to be elected without providing a transitional period and even if you allow more Greek Cypriots than Turkish Cypriots to come and stay in the north without limitations, then where is bi-zonallity?", he claimed.

He also argued that measures must be taken in Geneva for problems that may be created at this point.

(CS)

[05] Siber met with Erdogan in Ankara

(CS)

[06] Cavusoglu on the Cyprus problem

(AK)

[07] Ertugruloglu due to Ankara for contacts; He stated that UBP will be attending the Geneva summit

As part of his contacts in Ankara, Ertugruloglu will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Tugrul Turkes and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The latest developments on the Cyprus problem as well as the "bi-lateral"issues between the two "countries" will be discussed during his contacts.

Ertugruloglu will meet today at 3pm with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.The meeting which will be held at the Presidential Palace will be closed to the press.

He will then continue with his contacts tomorrow since he will meet with Cavusoglu and later on with Turkes.

Ertugruloglu is expected to return the occupied area of Cyprus after completing his contacts.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (26.12.16) reports that Ertugruloglu has stated that it is out of question for the ruling National Unity Party (UBP) not to attend the Geneva summit on the Cyprus problem, since, everybody will be there.

Asked to comment on this issue by the paper, Ertugruloglu pointed out that even though an official decision has not be taken yet by the responsible organs of the party, he stated that he expresses his personal view on this issue, since, he is the responsible inside the party on the Cyprus problem.

[08] Turkish daily reportedly says that the occupation regime's ties with Ankara are in tension

According to the paper, the "UBP-DP government" has suspended the reforms and failed to implement the "protocol conditions" providing as an excuse the Cyprus problem and the negotiation process or the "balances in the country".

The paper adds that Ankara has warned the "TRNC" twice about this issue and writes that Turkey's grants to the occupied area of Cyprus for 2017 in several sectors will be set into danger.

(…)

[09] Serdar Denktas has been re-elected as chairman of DP; He alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are not ready economically for a solution

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (24.12.16) Denktas alleged that Turkish Cypriots were not economically prepared for a Cyprus settlement.

Speaking during a visit paid to him yesterday, Denktas complained that the "government" is not being properly informed about the negotiations process.

Stating that they will decide whether or not to attend the talks in Geneva following his party's ordinary congress, Denktas said that they were currently in the process of examining the information they had requested regarding the convergences reached in the talks between the two sides. "We have concerns regarding issues such as political equality, sovereignty, property and the issue of guarantees. I have not launched a public campaign because none of these issues have been clarified yet but my position is clear", Denktas stated.

He also claimed that they will not allow Cyprus to be given away. "They're saying that while a Greek Cypriot will be allowed to serve as President for 4 years, a Turkish Cypriot will only be allowed to serve a 2 year term as President. This is an indication that we are an advantaged minority. More importantly we will never abandon Turkey's guarantees" he said.

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriots were not economically prepared for a settlement, Denktas added the following: "We are not ready economically. We have been forced to live under isolations and not to abandon the negotiating table. We have not been able to prepare for a settlement under these conditions. We shall find ourselves in the EU the day after a settlement is reached. I'm voicing my concerns on these issues and they're just telling me not to worry. It is only natural that I worry about the future of my people".

Denktas also alleged that there is a threat of conflict on the horizon. "If we reach a settlement under the current circumstances we could very well find ourselves fighting in the trenches and foxholes very soon. We don't want such a future" he stated.

[10] Russian Ambassador: The idea for Russia being in Geneva belongs to the Republic of Cyprus

Replying to a question, Osadchiy said that Russia does not want to play any special role as regards the security in the United Cyprus and that "if the two communities decide that they need us, we are ready to evaluate the issue".

Asked to comment on the rumors that Moscow wanted a military base in Cyprus, Osadchiy recalled that at a press conference with his Cypriot counterpart during his last visit to Cyprus, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had clearly stated that Russia was not after a military presence on the island. Moreover, he added, the successful Russian operation in Syria shows that the country has the potential to carry out the necessary actions in the area without having military installations.

Asked as to whether the security dimension in Cyprus will influence the broader area, the Ambassador said that it is difficult to express a view on the issue, because the decision of the two communities is not known yet and pointed out that some external players are attempting to impose some views on the security issue for serving their own interests. "If these views are accepted, their influence will be definitely negative", he noted.

Asked whether the sides in Cyprus are close to a solution, Ambassador Osadchiy said that the negotiations advanced very intensively in 2016 and the leaders showed sincere will to overcome some difficulties. Noting that both communities have a general view now as to how the parameters of the solution will be shaped, Osadchiy said that there are still, however, many questions which remain unanswered, such as, for example, "the parameters of the implementation of the solution in which the UNFICYP will play a significant role".

(I/Ts.)

[11] A survey shows that 89,4% of the Turkish Cypriots are in favor of the presence of the Turkish army after the solution; HP is the first party

Asked whether Turkey's "active and effective guarantees must continue as they are", 88,8% said "yes", 9.9% that no guarantees are needed and 1,3% that Turkey's guarantees could be replaced by guarantees from other organizations.

The paper reports that 52% think that Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci is successful in his duties. When they were asked to express their view on how Akinci defend "TRNCs rights" in the Cyprus negotiations, the participants in the survey replied: 37% "we are weak in front of the Greek Cypriot side", 32,2% "we are continuously giving concessions", 30% "he defends our rights very well" and 27,2% "he defends our rights to the same extent as the previous presidents".

Asked to state their view on Akinci' proposal that 29,2% of Cyprus' territory should remain under Turkish administration, they replied: 46,7% "no territory must be given to the Greek Cypriot side", 33,7% "it is normal to give this territory, it is needed for the solution", and 19,6% "too much territory without taking something in return was given".

Asked whether they are annoyed by the fact that about 45 thousand Greek Cypriots will be settled in northern Cyprus after the solution and unlimited number of Greek Cypriots will have the right to stay and work there, they replied: 60,5% "we do not want Greek Cypriots to come among us", 20,2% "let everybody who wishes to come to do so, this is no problem for me", and 19,3% "this number is too high, it must be reduced significantly". Replying to another question, 69.9% of the participants in the survey argued that "bi-zonality will definitely be watered down" by the Greek Cypriots' unconditionally living, establishing business and residing in northern Cyprus. Only 30,1% said that "this is normal".

Asked to state their view regarding a solution in which "65 thousand Turkish Cypriots will be forced to abandon their homes and workplaces", 83,5% said that "such a solution will not be fair" and only 16,5% that "it will be fair".

Asked whether the developments experienced in the negotiations until now are enough for them voting "yes" in a possible referendum, 41,3% replied that they decided to vote "no" from now, 36,5% said that they will decide after seeing a possible solution agreement and 22,2% stated that looking at the current situation, they decided to vote "yes".

Under the title "Four parties pass the threshold", Diyalog (27.12.16) continues publishing the results of the survey and writes that asked "which party would you vote for if elections were held today", the participants in the survey replied: People's Party (HP) 38,1%, National Unity Party (UBP) 26,7%, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) 19,6%, Democratic Party (DP) 5,2%, Social Democracy Party (TDP) 2,7%, Revival Party (YDP) 2,4%, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 1,4%, Communal Liberation Party (TKP) 1,3%, United Cyprus Party (BKP) 1,3% and New Cyprus Party (YKP) 1,2%. It is noted that the HP's votes come from: 19,3% UBP, 16% CTP, 20,8% DP, mixed votes 19,3, persons who had not voted in the previous "elections" 14,6%.

Asked which their most important problem is today, 34% said the Cyprus problem, 28 % the traffic problem, 27% the education, 18% partisanship, 18% corruption, 15% unemployment, 14% cost of living, 8,5% the water problem, 7,7% health, 6,8% the productivity of the "public sector" and 3% the environment.

(I/Ts.)

[12] Reports for big investments in the breakaway regime

According to the chairman of the administrative council of Akacan Holding, Bulut Akacan, the firm is planning the construction of a 100,000 square meters mall in occupied Keryneia with facilities that will include a rope railway, a port and a hotel in occupied Lapithos and a construction of a town with a hospital and roads.

In addition, under the title "Economic doping to Karpasia", Yeni Bakis (26.12.16) reports that the Gifa Holding, which is a firm that also the paper belongs, will make a big investment in occupied Karpasia which will be able to provide work for 500 persons. According to the paper, the project will have the support of the so-called ministry of transportation and public labor and will contribute to the economic and social developments of the region.

The chairman of the administrative chairman of Gifa Holding, Yusuf Kisa, alleged that all the "governments" neglected the region which according to his statements "is an area that the Greek Cypriots dream to add to their territory". As he said the private sector supports the development of Karpasia.

(CS)

[13] The breakaway regime aims to increase its health tourism

According to the results of the workshop, the breakaway regime aims to have 250,000 health tourists visiting the occupied area of Cyprus until 2025. In addition these tourists will bring 2,5 billion dollars income, according to the data discussed at the workshop.

(CS)

[14] Claims that there care 700,000 Turkish Cypriots living abroad

Kasapoglu, who made statements to the paper, reiterated the Union's demand that the Turkish Cypriots living abroad to be represented in the so-called assembly.

(CS)

[15] Erdogan: "We will never allow the formation of a news state in Syria"

"We will never allow the founding of this kind of state, despite efforts to do so", Erdogan told Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) in Istanbul.

Erdogan also reiterated Turkey's wish to see a "terror-free safe zone" in northern Syria for the safety of its southeastern border provinces.

"We have been saying this from the beginning. If this [issue] isn't dealt with, Gaziantep is always hanging by a thread, Kilis is always hanging by a thread, Sanliurfa is hanging by a thread," he added, mentioning three border provinces.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with Women Entrepreneurs in Istanbul, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stressed the goals of Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria.

"Our aim in being there is ensuring the safety of life and property of our citizens who live along our southern borders," said Yildirim, adding that Turkey has long wanted to block the danger coming from northern Syria.

Also, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli spoke on Turkey's current Al-Bab operation as part of Operation Euphrates Shield. "Operation Euphrates Shield should definitely be crowned with victory," Bahceli said at MHP headquarters in Ankara.

"If we emerged empty-handed from Al-Bab, we would endanger Diyarbakir and Ankara. Al-Bab should collapse around the hellhounds, and they should all perish", Bacheli also said.

[16] Police detain HDP Deputy head Aysel Tugluk in Ankara

Tugluk was detained early in the morning by counter-terrorism police as part of an investigation launched by the Diyarbak?r Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Anadolu agency reported.

Tugluk was taken to police headquarters following medical checks and will later be transferred to the southeastern province of Diyarbak?r.

Meanwhile, on December 23, the party's Istanbul MP and Deputy Parliament Speaker, Pervin Buldan, was released after briefly testifying to a prosecutor in Istanbul as part of a lawsuit filed against her on charges of "praising crime and the guilty" and "engaging in terror propaganda" by the Igd?r Court of Serious Crimes.

(…)

[17] 1,682 suspects detained in anti-terror operations in one week

Security forces, including the gendarmerie special forces, commandoes, police special forces and the army's air and land units, conducted 220 operations targeting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) across Turkey over the past week, between December 19- 26 across the country, detaining 508 suspects for allegedly aiding and abetting the PKK, the Ministry said in a written statement..

(…)

According to the Ministry, a total of 78 suspects connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) were also detained over the past week, 12 of whom were later arrested.

In addition, a total of 1,096 suspects over the Fethullahist Terror Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETO/PYD), which has been accused of attempting a coup on July 15, were also detained, 426 of whom were later arrested, the Ministry also announced.

(…)

[18] First trials in FETO's coup attempt begun

The first trial was held in the western city of Denizli on December 25 while some 29 police officers accused of aiding and abetting pro-coup troops will stand trial in Istanbul. Amid tight security measures, 60 defendants, including 18 that were released earlier pending trial were escorted into the EGS Culture and Congress Center, a venue that replaced the local courthouse due to the scale of the trial.

Brigadier General Kamil Ozhan Ozbak?r, the former commander of a commando brigade deployed in Denizli, is among the defendants accused of involvement in the coup attempt. His aides and deputy commander of another commando brigade also stand trial at the High Criminal Court of Denizli which handles terror cases. The defendants, all career officers, face three instances of aggravated lifetime imprisonment for "attempt to overthrow the constitutional order", the formal charge for those attempting to oust the government by force, as well as for membership of FETO. Prosecutors also ask for 15 years in prison for the defendants with lesser charges.

The trial might take months due to the sheer number of defendants although a verdict might be expected sooner than thought as legal experts point to clear evidence implicating the coup plotters such as the movement of units to aid other pro-coup troops, which might be sufficient for their conviction. The first hearing began with the recitation of a thick file of indictment.

(…)

[19] Turkey boasts 'sixth-largest' diplomatic network in the world

The index published by the Australia-based Lowy Institute for International Policy showed that Turkey has the largest number of diplomatic missions abroad, following the five Permanent Members of the U.N. Security Council.

According to the figures compiled by Anadolu Agency, the country currently has a total of 235 foreign missions, both embassies and consulates.

In 2002, when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power, Turkey had 163 diplomatic missions abroad.

Under Turkey's active foreign policy, a total of 72 new missions were opened in the past 14 years.

According to Foreign Ministry sources, 24 new missions are in the pipeline and are expected to open soon.

The Lowy Diplomacy Index 2016 puts the United States at the top of the list, with 270 foreign missions, followed by France with 267, China with 258, Russia with 243 and the United Kingdom with 236.

But with its 24 new missions, Turkey could top the U.K.

Ankara's outreach toward Africa led Turkey to open 29 new missions on the continent.

Africa was followed by Asia with 18 new Turkish missions, Europe with 11, South America with seven, and North America with two new missions.

In 2015, Turkey opened new missions in Guatemala, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Canada and Iraq.

The sources confirmed that around 4,450 personnel work at Turkey's diplomatic missions abroad at a variety of posts. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(AK/AM)

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