Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-01-05

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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] Cavusoglu: Turkey's guarantees must continue

[02] Akinci says that they are going to Geneva "in a positive spirit and a constructive climate"

[03] Nami met with Cavusoglu prior to Geneva summit

[04] Ozgurgun reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side has a plan B' if the talks fail

[05] CTP leader evaluated his contacts in Ankara

[06] British Minister Duncan on the Cyprus talks

[07] Kotzias and Cavusoglu to meet in NY ahead of Cyprus talks

[08] Ten more "citizenships" were granted by the occupation regime

[09] Measures by so-called deputies against KTOS and KTOEOS employees

[10] Turkey 'questions' US use of Incirlik air base

[11] Erdogan: People's lifestyle under guarantee in Turkey

[12] MHP Deputy resigned from post rejecting the constitutional amendment

[13] Criminal complaint filed against Sabah over slander

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu: Turkey's guarantees must continue

Noting that Turkey is in close cooperation with the "TRNC administration", Cavusoglu alleged that his country is always one step ahead of everyone in the Cyprus problem.

Pointing out that Turkey's mentality is not "giving any kind of concession" for the solution, Cavusoglu said that if a solution is to be reached, there should be a common understanding by both sides. Saying that the negotiations resumed after a timetable was set, the Turkish Minister alleged that the fact that no distance was covered on the four chapters, shows the approach of the Greek Cypriot side.

He claimed: "Our understanding is there, but the Greek Cypriot side should also exhibit this will. There are still open points on many chapters. Instead of focusing on these, they bring Turkey's guarantees and security onto the agenda. This is extremely wrong. The Turkish Cypriot people want the continuation of Turkey's guarantees. They want to feel secure. For us the security of both sides is important of course, if there is going to be an agreement. However, the security of the Turkish Cypriot people and their sensitivities on the other issues are very important for us".

Asked whether the EU's support to the Cyprus negotiations is enough, he replied: "Of course, the EU has not been at the table in the process. That is, it expresses its support, but the agreement to be reached here should be included in its primary law".

Noting that he will discuss this issue with the UNSG Antonio Guterres, Cavusoglu argued that Turkey's stance is clear on the issue of the solution, and on the security and guarantees. He claimed: "However, we have questions as to what stance the Greek Cypriot side will exhibit for this agreement, if it enters into an election climate. There are three political parties opposing to the solution now. We are constructive. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Akinci says that they are going to Geneva "in a positive spirit and a constructive climate"

In statements yesterday in the occupied area of Cyprus after his first meeting for 2017 with President Anastasiades, Akinci said that during the meeting they prepared for the talks in Geneva and added: "We will go to Geneva in a positive spirit, a constructive climate. We will hold a preparatory meeting on Sunday night in Geneva as well."

Akinci said that they reached an understanding on the way they will work in Geneva, they discussed the opening ceremony of the Geneva negotiations and reaffirmed that the agreement reached on 1 December is still valid. Akinci reiterated that the three guarantor powers will be at the negotiating table in Geneva together with the two community leaders and alleged that President Anastasiades' statement that he will be representing both the Greek Cypriot community and the Republic of Cyprus "aims at causing an argument". "We are not going to close anybody's mouth", he argued.

Akinci said that the opening ceremony of the Geneva conference will include meetings of the leaders and the guarantor powers with the newly elected UNSG. Noting that the members of the UN Security Council and EU representatives will participate in the opening ceremony, Akinci reiterated that the EU representative will not be a part of the negotiations, adding that when it is needed the EU representative will be invited in the room through the UNSG's Special Adviser, Espen Barth Eide and reply to questions.

Referring to some issues which should be agreed between 9 and 11 January for reaching a solution, Akinci said that the most important of these issues will be gathered under 8-10 chapters and on 11 and 12 January the map and the percentages will be discussed. He noted that a five-party conference will start on 12 January. He argued that the target is to solve the aforementioned issues together and alleged that the reason of the failure of the talks at Mont Pelerin was that the target had been to solve only one issue.

Akinci said that all issues will not end by 12 January, but in case a result satisfying both sides comes up on the property, the rotating presidency, the effective participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the decision making, the territory and the security, a great success will be achieved. In this case, he added, not everything will end, but we will come to the stage of reaching a solution. He noted that a period of 2-3 months is needed afterwards for settling the "details" and added that another three months will be required for the "peoples" to be briefed on the agreement so that they understand the plan and vote accordingly. He said that the referendum might be held in the mid-2017.

Responding to a question, Akinci noted that the Geneva talks will be held without pre-conditions and that he does not think that not holding the international conference is possible.

Replying to another question, Akinci argued that 2017 will be a "year with problems" in case a solution is not reached and claimed that the hydrocarbon issue and the drillings will come onto the agenda in the spring, when "new tensions will take place".

(I/Ts.)

[03] Nami met with Cavusoglu prior to Geneva summit

According to Anatolian News Agency, Cavusoglu wrote on his official twitter account that he came together with negotiator Nami and carried out evaluations regarding the Cyprus negotiations process that will take place next week in Geneva.

[04] Ozgurgun reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot side has a plan B' if the talks fail

Asked what will happen if the negotiations fail, Ozgurgun said: "We are not in a dead-end, there is still a way. […] There is a plan B as well. However, this is something that will be decided by the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey".

Ozgurgun also alleged that the sides are not ready for the negotiations to be launch in Geneva on January 9. "We have not opened a bargaining for the TRNC's territories", Ozgurgun said and claimed that there are still "serious differences" between the Turkish Cypriot side and the Greek Cypriot side. He also reiterated that Turkey's "active and effective guarantees" are a red line for the great majority of the Turkish Cypriot "people" and added that the Greek Cypriot side demands the "withdrawal of the Turkish troops".

According to Ozgurgun, the Annan Plan cannot be considered as a basis for the negotiations because, as he claimed, a lot of things have changed on the island during the last 12 years. "During these 12 years, a lot of people have been settled in those lands. Nobody can say to these people to move away now and go to another place. Nobody can say this", Ozgurgun claimed.

Alleging that some problems are being experienced on the Governance and Power Sharing Chapter, he added: "There are serious problems on the political equality issue. There are some issues which are seriously contrary to bi-zonality. […]".

Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot side's pre-conditions at the negotiating table are "crystal clear", Ozgurgun said: "Bi-zonality is a must. Turkey's active and effective guarantees are a must. The equal status of the two founding states is a must".

Expressing the view that the progress achieved in the talks is not sufficient for the guarantor countries to attend a summit in Geneva, Ozgurgun argued that if things are put into the framework the Turkish Cypriots wish, there will definitely be a solution.

(AK)

[05] CTP leader evaluated his contacts in Ankara

Erhurman met with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cyprus Affairs, Tugrul Turkes was also present at the meeting. The latest developments of the Cyprus problem and the upcoming Geneva summit were discussed at the meeting.

The paper also reports that Erhurman met also with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

He also met with the leader of the Turkish Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Erhurman and Kilicdaroglu agreed to strengthen the communication between CTP and CHP.

Meanwhile, according to illegal Bayrak television (online, 05.01.17), evaluating his contacts in Ankara, Erhurman said that he had the opportunity to find out Turkey's stance regarding the Geneva summit and to explain his positions.

Erhurman stressed that he is satisfied with Turkey's stance, adding that the "TRNC" and Turkey, as the Turkish side, have the political will for reaching a comprehensive solution.

Noting that prior to Geneva there are chapters like the territory, security and guarantees, Erhurman said that issues in the remaining chapters are still open. He argued that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have their sensitivities. Erhuman further said: "For this reason, I would like to say that I am not sure if Geneva is the last station. However, both Turkey and the TRNC are determined to do whatever they can in order [Geneva] to be the last station".

Erhurman claimed that the political equality is not an issue which could be bargained and argued that the Greek Cypriot side's stance regarding issues which will safeguard the Turkish Cypriot side's political equality must completely change.

Erhurman also said that political equality is not only the rotational presidency but the representation in other state institutions is also very important from this point of view. He alleged that the stance of the Greek Cypriot side on the political equality issue during the first two-three days will be decisive for the continuation of the Geneva process.

(CS / DPs)

[06] British Minister Duncan on the Cyprus talks

British Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, who was in Ankara for contacts, was received separately by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and the Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Omer Celik.

Speaking at a joint press conference before his meeting with Celik, the British Minister expressed his country's wish to see success achieved in the Geneva talks and for the outcome to contribute to a settlement in Cyprus.

"On behalf of the United Kingdom, as a guarantor state, it is our desire to see all participating sides to conclude these talks with success" he said.

Touching upon their bilateral relations, Duncan expressed his country's desire to further strengthen the relations between Turkey and the UK. He also reiterated the UK's support to Turkey in the fight against terrorism.

[07] Kotzias and Cavusoglu to meet in NY ahead of Cyprus talks

Both Cavusoglu and Kotzias are in New York to separately meet new UNSG Antonio Gueterres, with the former set to meet the new chief on Jan. 5.

Turkish diplomatic sources said Kotzias phoned Cavusoglu and that the two Ministers had agreed to meet in New York during their visit.

[08] Ten more "citizenships" were granted by the occupation regime

According to the "official gazette" of the occupation regime published on January 1-2, the "TRNC's citizenship" was granted to the following:

1) M. Maamoun Habba, born in Aleppo (2.3.1973)

2) Ogulcan Sandikci, born in Cankaya district in Turkey (9.6.1993)

3) Cem Sunman, born in Istanbul (1.2.1958)

4) Nur Al-Shanableh, born in occupied Lefkosia (11.12.1993)

5) Tunc Ilke Ozozturk, born in Beyoglu district in Turkey (21.7.1982)

6) Baris Polat, born in Istanbul (14.1.1984)

7) Emrah Ozer, born in Bornova district-Izmir (9.4.1983)

8) Zeynelabiddin Koroglu, born in Antakya (1.8.1980)

9) Ismail Altug Koyagasi, born in Istanbul (16.4. 1970)

10) Kerem Tibuk, born in Kadikoy-Istanbul (10.9.1973)

(AK)

[09] Measures by so-called deputies against KTOS and KTOEOS employees

According to the proposal, the payment of the salary of these three employees should be stopped on the ground that the employment of three extra persons adds to the economic burden of the "state".

Representatives of the two trade unions stated that this was the result of the "2017 diary" issued by KTOS, which created a lot of reactions in the occupied area of Cyprus.

(CS)

[10] Turkey 'questions' US use of Incirlik air base

"Our people ask, 'why are they [coalition forces] using the Incirlik Airbase [if the coalition does not provide aerial support to the Euphrates Shield operation]. We allowed not only the U.S. but also other countries' jets to use Incirlik to jointly fight [ISIL]," Cavusoglu told state-run Anadolu Agency.

"What purpose are you serving if you do not provide aerial support against DEASH in the most sensitive operation for us?" he added.

"The U.S. is a very important ally for us. We have cooperation in every field. But there is the reality of a confidence crisis in the relationship at the moment", Cavusoglu said.

He added that this crisis of trust had emerged for a number of reasons, particularly noting that the U.S. has not kept its promise regarding the retreat of the People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij to the east of the Euphrates River and had provided arms support to the Syrian Kurdish group.

"Giving arms to the YPG, the U.S. chose a terrorist organization over its ally", he said, adding that those arms had later found their way into the hands of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Turkey.

[11] Erdogan: People's lifestyle under guarantee in Turkey

Speaking at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdogan said that the Turkish state is aware of its responsibilities and ensured that there is no specific threat to people's lifestyles in the country.

Some opposition circles in Turkey have also claimed that the attack by the terrorist group was actually against the secular way of life, adding that the secular lifestyle is under threat. However, the public remains united in the face of the recent terrorist attack.

President Erdogan argued that such speculations and claims regarding the lifestyles of people in Turkey aim to polarize society. "I know that there is no obligation for anyone in our country and the world to have the same lifestyle", he said, adding that respect for people's way of living is reciprocal.

[12] MHP Deputy resigned from post rejecting the constitutional amendment

"My belief in nationalism and my understanding of Turkish nationalism orders my conscience to say 'no' to the constitutional amendment. As a requirement of these conditions, I resign from my post as Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party", Kaya said in a written statement on Jan. 4.

The resignation comes after the constitutional amendment process was accelerated by MHP leader Devlet Bahceli in early October 2016, when he described the current situation in Turkey as a "de facto presidency". Bahceli urged the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to legalize the de facto situation and offered collaboration in the preparation of the draft.

Prepared jointly by the two parties, the amendment was been passed from Parliament's Constitution Commission amid altercations between members of ruling and opposition parties Republican People's Party (CHP) and People's Democracy Party (HDP) on Dec. 31, 2016.

Last month Kaya had conveyed his concern about the under-preparation amendment and said he would vote "no" in parliament, daily Cumhuriyet reported on Dec. 4.

A day before his official resignation was issued, Bahceli said he understood Kaya's decision and said the MHP's lawmakers would be free to vote individually in Parliament. "It is normal," Bahceli said on Dec. 3.

"Political parties cannot decide on voting as a group. It is legally not allowed. I only have one 'yes' vote that will be counted in the General Assembly. I will give it and I will repeat it in the subsequent referendum", Bahceli added.

Having previously expressed criticism of any proposed presidential system change in a letter to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan back on March 11, 2015, Kaya reiterated his position urging lawmakers to express their position about the constitutional draft on Jan. 4.

With Kaya's announcement, the number of MHP lawmakers who have publicly declared their rejection of the charter has risen to seven.

[13] Criminal complaint filed against Sabah over slander

The slander was included in a story titled "FETO's civil war plan is in progress" that was published on Sabah's website on Jan. 1.

"The plan that was put into motion in the first hours of 2017 is obvious… (…) the U.S. and some EU countries have put in motion a new plan of chaos to capture Turkey. The media linked to FETO and PKK is at the centre of this provocation. Odatv, BirGun newspaper and Dogan media will completely work for this chaos plan", said the story, which did not have a by-line.

The complaint, which recalled that Sabah had described Fethullah Gulen – the alleged mastermind of the July 2016 coup attempt – as an eminent religious scholar and openly supported his network, stated: "It cannot be accepted that this newspaper declares Hurriyet, which the network is trying to victimize, to be a supporter of FETO based on completely unfounded and fictitious allegations, and declares itself a fighter. The law should not protect the newspaper as it openly targets Hurriyet with this publication policy".

The complaint said the stories were defamatory and did not fall within the remit of freedom of thought and expression.

On the same issue, the paper reports that Dogan Holding made the following statement regarding developments this morning:

"This morning, searches were made at the homes and offices of Dogan Holding Chief Legal Advisor Erem Turgut Yucel and former executive Yahya Uzdiyen as part of a probe in which our Ankara administrative representative, Barbaros Muratoglu, was arrested. Both Yucel and Uzdiyen were detained. The searches were conducted only at the personal offices of the aforementioned executives, and there is no situation affecting the activities of our holding and its subsidiaries. Our holding and its subsidiaries are continuing their activities as before without interruption. A further public statement will be issued in the event that there are developments on the issue." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

(DPs - I/Ts.)

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