Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-01-16

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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] Ak?nc? evaluates the Geneva summit

[02] Akinci: 29,2% is a percentage proposed by Rauf Denktas and approved by the "assembly"

[03] Akinci: It will be known within a few weeks if it is possible to reach a federal solution

[04] Akinci: "The sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriots is Turkey"

[05] Erdogan evaluates the Geneva summit

[06] Turkish Presidency spokesman said that the Turkish side is optimistic about the procedure's future

[07] Yildirim replied to criticisms that the Turkish government sold "TRNC"

[08] Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriot map is not serious and that no Turkish Cypriot will accept it

[09] Ozgurgun:"It was a strategic mistake the presentation of a map by the Turkish Cypriot side"

[10] Ozgurgun claims that Erdogan informed him about his suggestion on the map two months ago

[11] Turkish columnist sees better prospects on Cyprus negotiation talks if Turkey cooperates with Russia

[12] YKP said that the guarantees have nothing to do with the security

[13] Nine colonels detained in the occupied area of Cyprus for links to FETO

[14] Atun made a call to the African countries for trade

[15] The occupation regime in a tourism fair in the Netherlands and Austria

[16] Turkey passes last article on constitutional change; Statements by Erdogan

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Ak?nc? evaluates the Geneva summit

Stating that in line with the agreement reached on the 1st of December, they discussed the four remaining chapters during the meetings held between the 9th and 11th of January and tried to bridge gaps on topics where consensus had not been reached, Akinci added that they had decided to present maps in accordance with the percentages that had been previously determined.

Ak?nc? said that during the first two days of the Geneva summit some convergences had been reached but said that there was still much to do and added that they had been discussing topics that had been discussed for years in the past 20 months. "For the first time in Geneva, maps were presented on proposed territorial boundaries and later on these maps were sealed in the UN's vault. The Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades said that the map we presented was unacceptable and we do not find the map submitted by the Greek Cypriot side to be acceptable and we have informed the UN Secretary General of this with a letter", Akinci stated.

Noting that after many years for the first time a five-party conference with the attendance of the guarantors in Cyprus was held, Akinci explained that this meeting was held in a very positive atmosphere. He added that in order not to waste time they continued their discussions during their dinner break.

Explaining that during the night session they exchanged views on how they could carry the process forward, Akinci added that the guarantor powers carried out meetings amongst themselves as well.

Explaining that he had also held a meeting with the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Akinci stated that during the night phase of the conference they concentrated more on how to carry the process forward.

He said that despite the two sides in Cyprus, Turkey and Britain wanted to continue the conference without any further breaks but due to Greece which was requesting more time to be prepared, a decision was given to hold another conference in the future and in the end, the 18th of January was the date set for the conference.

"Ozdil Nami will be representing me during that conference. The guarantor countries will also send representatives", said Ak?nc?.

Noting that the conference has not been finalized but had taken on a new form, he stated that this was just preparatory works for the conference to be taken to a higher level.

"Speaking on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side that has been continuing the Cyprus negotiations process for the past 20 months, we have reached the end", said Ak?nc? and added that although there are some issues that still needed to be tied up, some issues would be finalized once the last phase had been reached.

He also drew attention to the fact that all issues would be finalized during the end game. "It would be wrong to say that the five-party conference has ended or that there is uncertainty. The Cyprus solution process has not been endorsed to an open ended road. Right after the 18th of January meeting the conference will be transferred to a higher level and we are determined to hold a second conference" said Akinci, reiterating that such an opportunity might not arise again.

[02] Akinci: 29,2% is a percentage proposed by Rauf Denktas and approved by the "assembly"

Akinci said that some progress was achieved in the negotiations held between the sides from 9 to 11 January and on 12 January the five-party conference started with the participation of the three guarantor powers and the EU having an observer status. He argued:

"On 11 January maps would be submitted. This was realized. The sides would not have mutually submitted maps to each other. This issue is misunderstood. They were mutually seen and handed over to the UN and the UN locked them. This situation as regards the maps was realized with our insistence stance. We did not want to experience an open-ended process because no agreement on the issue of how long this process would last had been achieved. It was obvious that this process would not end within a day and therefore all of us thought that it would not be correct to mutually give the maps to each other and create big speculations. Therefore, they were given to the UN to lock them up. They will take them out from there only with a decision of the two leaders. The Greek Cypriot side's map is not acceptable. […]

The conference started on 12 January was a five-party conference. […] Once more it was understood that we have been telling the truth. The two sides participated in equal status. The Permanent Members of the UN Security Council did not participate. Representation of the Republic of Cyprus was out of the question. The process continued within the same framework carried out until today under the auspices of the UN. This will continue the same from now on. The EU was granted the observer status with the approval of both sides. The status of the EU will continue the same from now on as well. […]

Five sides talked at the session of the conference on 12 January in which we participated in equal status. Except for the UNSG's speech, the two sides in Cyprus and the guarantor powers at Foreign Ministers' level delivered also a speech. Due to Greece's stance, the working groups could not begin working at the very next day. This happened in this way only because of Greece's stance. All other sides wished for the process to proceed and end in a result oriented manner. Greece suggested the 23rd of January. The other participants in the conference did not accept this and the 18 January was decided. These conferences do not decide with simple majority. Consensus is important. […]

Therefore, a five-party working group is being established. A group of colleagues under my negotiator Ozdil Nami will continue to start these works on 18 January. A break could be given. […] The level could vary. The working groups now are being realized at a lower level. If it is developed towards a solution, it will be upgraded to the level of Prime Ministers. […] This will be the Cyprus conference and this will either end with a solution or will end with failure. […] I am preserving my cautious optimism. […] I am satisfied that the 1 December agreement was implemented verbatim. I want to say that this process was not pushed to uncertainty and has not failed. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[03] Akinci: It will be known within a few weeks if it is possible to reach a federal solution

"The Turkish Cypriots have been equally represented at the highest level in Geneva and held a bargaining with their interlocutors around the same table. This is something extremely important".

Referring to the second part of the international conference which will start on 18 January, Akinci claimed that it is not possible for this second part to last for weeks and added: "The international actors have not seen positively Greece's demand for a period of ten days and decided for a period of five days. From this we can reach the conclusion that this problem cannot be prolonged any more".

Akinci alleged that everybody in the conference saw the "negative stance" of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, who without asking anyone spoke as if the sides agreed to meet on 23 January. Arguing that this stance caused the "big reaction" of all the sides participating in the conference, Akinci said that when he found out about Kotzias statements he informed the UNSG Antonio Guterres, who "showed great reaction and got angry about Greek Foreign Minister's stance". "As a result, agreement was reached for the 18 January instead of the 23 January", he argued adding that on that day the commissions will start working and the continuation of the conference will possibly take place at a higher level.

Recalling that the federation has been discussed for many years in Cyprus, Akinci claimed: "The end of the process is close, the date is there and this is very clear. This issue will continue right after the works of the 18th of January together with the summit. It will now definitely end. If there is going to be a solution, it will happen, if there is not going to be, we will see it in the end of the process".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akinci: "The sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriots is Turkey"

Ak?nc? added that they had reached a point where they are talking about building bridges of cooperation between Turkey and Greece. We are entering a new era where Cyprus will establish the foundations of new opportunities for cooperation between neighbouring countries in the region.

Akinci also recalled that the phase launched in Geneva had not ended and would continue at a technical level.

Pointing out that the level of representation could be raised to that of Prime Minister once the technical work was completed, Akinci added: "There is no doubt that the sole guarantee of the Turkish Cypriot peoples' security is Turkey. There is no hesitation. We want a formula where Turkey's active and effective guarantees will continue, allowing everyone on this island to live in freedom and security. There is room for everyone on this island" he added.

[05] Erdogan evaluates the Geneva summit

Erdogan alleged that the Turkish Cypriots are working intensely and sincerely but the Greek Cypriots and Athens still have different expectations.

Stating that Turkey has set three conditions regarding security, land tradeoffs and a rotating presidency to achieve a solution on Cyprus, he added that "as part of the three conditions for a solution, the Turkish Cypriot side had said that the Greeks should not expect a guarantee without Turkey". He also reiterated that a full withdrawal of the Turkish troops is "out of the question."

Commenting on demands that all Turkish troops be withdrawn from the island, Erdogan said, "If such a thing is being thought of, then both of the sides need to pull all of their soldiers from here."

Arguing that the Geneva peace talks were a new negotiation process separate from the 2004 Annan Plan, Erdogan alleged: "Guzelyurt [occupied Morfou] and Erenkoy [occupied Kokkina] could be joined and left to the Turkish Cypriot side, while the whole of Famagusta, including Maras [fenced of city of Varosha] could be left to the Greek Cypriots.

"They want the Karpaz area and that's not going to happen. We informed the representatives that were there. The discussions regarding the seashore have long been finished as the Annan plan is not valid anymore" claimed Erdogan.

Referring to the issue of the rotating presidency, Erdogan alleged that it would be unfair the Turkish Cypriots to hold the post one time for every four times that it is to be held by the Greek Cypriots and noted that the ratio should be one-to-two.

Erdogan's comments came a day after the three guarantor powers of the island, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, joined Anastasiades and Ak?nc? at a five-party conference in Geneva.

[06] Turkish Presidency spokesman said that the Turkish side is optimistic about the procedure's future

Kalin, who issued a statement, said that a lot of progress was achieved on some issues while the talks are continuing on other matters. However, he said they are optimistic and positive regarding the procedure.

"Reaching a solution is possible under the condition of the establishment of a bi-zonal, bi-communal establishment of two states and the safeguarding of the political representation and equality", he stated.

He went on and added that Turkey cannot abandon the Turkish Cypriots and expressed the hope that there will be a positive outcome regarding the procedure in the coming weeks.

(CS)

[07] Yildirim replied to criticisms that the Turkish government sold "TRNC"

Replying to criticisms over the Cyprus talks in Geneva during a press conference in Turkey's Parliament, Yildirim noted: "I was criticized because I did not go to Geneva for the Cyprus Conference. It was reflected today in the Parliament. The opposition accused the government of 'selling Cyprus'. What is their answer?"

Yildirim further argued: "What do they mean by selling? It is a disgrace. They don't know even their place. Because we did not go, it means that we sold it? There is such a thing? There was no need for us to go. Negotiations on Cyprus have been going on for many years.

Matter 1: Our conditions for Cyprus are certain and our red lines are clear. The issue of security and guarantees in Cyprus and Turkey's active guarantee and security cannot be abandoned or abolished under no condition.

Matter 2: If a bi-communal state will be established, the administration of this state should be fair, the sharing of this state should be fair.

Matter 3: On land and property issues, it is out of question for the Turkish Cypriot side to lose their vested rights.

In brief, in the partnership and the common state that will be formed, everything should be in a way that will make both sides happy and pleased. After all these, Turkey's effective guarantee and the measures regarding the security should be continued in exactly the same way."

(DPs)

[08] Cavusoglu alleges that the Greek Cypriot map is not serious and that no Turkish Cypriot will accept it

"The same thing is valid for us as well. They say about Karpasia, they say about other places. Anyway, these are out of the question, but because we have not passed into the stage of the map yet, entering into all the details is meaningless. However, let everyone be at ease. The sensitivity of the Turkish Cypriot people and the citizens of the Republic of Turkey on the security, the guarantees, the territory and other issues is our sensitivity as well. We are defending until the end our rights and interests on this issue. […]"

Cavusoglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriot delegation showed "how mature and visionary state" they are during the international conference for Cyprus and that they are "determined for a solution but not any solution". According to Cavusoglu, the UN representative showed an objective stance during the conference, but serious disagreements existed during the process, for which they agreed to continue at a technical level and set a timetable. Cavusoglu said that Turkey will be represented by the deputy Foreign Minister Muhtar Gun, but later the Foreign Ministers will meet and in case there is a result, the Prime Ministers will be invited.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ozgurgun:"It was a strategic mistake the presentation of a map by the Turkish Cypriot side"

Evaluating the developments of the Geneva summit to the illegal BRT, Ozgurgun stated that it was clear from the very beginning of the talks that this phase would be reached and alleged that presenting a map was a strategic mistake.

"We as the government and as the UBP voiced our view that presenting a map at this phase was very problematic. We said that problems would arise if the map was leaked to the press. When a map was given, it was done so without consultations with the government, we weren't even aware of the situation" Ozgurgun alleged.

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriot side had lost its trump card by revealing the map, Ozgurgun drew attention to the fact that the map should have only been revealed during the last phase of the talks and added that the Cyprus issue was far away from the referenda stage.

Accusing Greece of wanting a solution that will erase all Turkish flags in Cyprus, he added: "There is a serious gap between north Cyprus, south Cyprus and Greece. Everyone knows this. Everyone can see that this gap cannot be closed", Ozgurgun alleged, adding added that if an agreement is reached, it is reached, if not, then they are at a point where the "TRNC" can continue on its own path.

"The Greek Cypriot side does not want Turkey's active and effective guarantees to continue and therefore is not coming to an agreement on the Cyprus issue. Even president Ak?nc? said that if an agreement is reached then good, if not the TRNC will continue on its own path. We as the government are at this point. We think that this is the best possible solution", Ozgurgun claimed.

Further alleging that the "TRNC" is a "legal state", Ozgurgun said: "We should not waste our energy by negotiating another 50 years".

[10] Ozgurgun claims that Erdogan informed him about his suggestion on the map two months ago

He said that he expected from Akinci to inform him on the issue of the map arguing that it was his right as a "prime minister" to be informed. "This was my right. I have no knowledge on the context of the map and I am anxious over this. However, I am sure that the Greek Cypriot politicians were informed about the map that was submitted by the Greek Cypriot side", he said, adding that Erdogan told him two months ago about Kokkina and Varosha. "Erdogan said, we take Kokkina in exchange for Varosha. If this is the map then I do not object on its context. Erdogan told me about these two months ago. I did not reveal it. The President of Turkey trusted me. If Akinci had shown me the map then it would not have been leaked from me", Ozgurgun alleged.

He also said that on the issue of guarantees he agrees with both the Turkish Cypriot negotiation team and Turkey. "There is no problem on this. We are clear on the point that the system of guarantees will not be touched. Yes, the UN have power. However, we know from experience that if any events occur the power of the UN will not be enough [to prevent them]", he claimed.

(CS)

[11] Turkish columnist sees better prospects on Cyprus negotiation talks if Turkey cooperates with Russia

"The Cyprus peace talks in Geneva, which brought together Turkish and Greek Cypriots as well as Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, ended with no concrete results. The parties are due to meet again on January 18.

In truth, the much-hyped agreement was stillborn as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras refused to attend the talks, citing the failure to abolish guarantees. Another reason was the disagreement between Turkish and Greek Cypriots on territorial arrangements - among other things.

What exactly do Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots have to do to reach a settlement? First, they expect the joint Cypriot government to provide a fair share of political representation to both communities. More specifically, their expectation is that Turkish and Greek leaders will take turns as heads of state - one and two terms, respectively. In contrast, Greece and the Greek Cypriots agree to a Turkish head of state serving one term compared to four terms by Greek politicians.

What else? Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots would like Ankara to stay on as a guarantor and Turkish troops to remain on the island. This request reflects concerns over the security of Turkish Cypriots after the proposed removal of Turkish troops.

How about the European Union? At a time when the organization's future remains unclear, it would be naive, for lack of a better word, to expect Brussels to step in. The obvious question is who would offer protection to the Turkish Cypriots if the EU disintegrates over the next years.

Even if the EU were to survive, it would be unrealistic to expect Brussels, which granted full membership to a divided island even though the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan Plan in 2004, to look out for Turkish Cypriot interests. Let us take another step forward and assume that the EU actually wants to protect the Turkish Cypriots: Has the organization actually developed a solution to any political crisis ever? Why should the Turkish Cypriot community trust Brussels when they, like everybody else, know that the EU just isn't a great problem-solver?

With so many things up in the air, Greece and the Greek Cypriots demand the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island. In other words, their solution is for British troops alone to be stationed on Cyprus. Does anybody actually understand how this plan makes sense? It is even more laughable that the Brits pledged to hand over some of their territory on the island to the state-to-be. There is no doubt that Britain is working for a solution in Cyprus. Their idea of promoting reunification isn't limited to land grants either. Ahead of the Geneva talks, the BBC dispatched one of their correspondents to Cyprus in an effort to lobby for the plan. To make matters worse, the British public broadcaster spread false information about the Prime Ministers of Turkey, Greece and the U.K. supposedly traveling to Geneva. The BBC's claim was rejected by Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m, who said he would not go to Switzerland because it was not necessary.

We should all be able to agree that a 50-year-old conflict cannot be resolved by spreading false information and creating a fait accompli. So what should be done? It is obvious that we cannot reach an agreement at a time when the region is undergoing major changes, the balance of power is rapidly shifting, the Obama administration and the EU leadership do not strike anyone as reliable partners and Greece continues to suffer from economic hardship, which is why it's best to wait.

Here is what we should wait for: We need to wait until the region re-stabilizes. Working more closely with Turkey, Russia is becoming a more prominent player in Eastern Europe. For the Turks, it's best to see how the power struggle between Brussels and Moscow plays out before taking any action. Considering that the EU's shortsightedness had pushed Bulgaria toward Russia, it's possible that Greece could be next. There are indeed strong signs that Russian influence over Athens is growing.

If Greece ends up building a stronger relationship with Russia, Turkey can make a better Cyprus deal with help from the Kremlin. Why shouldn't Turkey and Russia, whose leaders have been playing a positive role in Syria, work together for lasting peace in Cyprus? For 40 years, we tried and failed to address the Cyprus issue with the West. At the very least, Russia deserves a shot".

[12] YKP said that the guarantees have nothing to do with the security

Murat Kanatli, member of YKP's executive committee, evaluated the Cyprus problem and the issue of guarantees. He said that the YKP continue its struggle for demilitarizing the whole island. He further said that the guarantee system does not have a place in the future of the island, adding that the public opinion is misled by the connections of security with the guarantees. He stressed that this is not right.

(DPs)

[13] Nine colonels detained in the occupied area of Cyprus for links to FETO

Two military helicopters reportedly deported the detained army colonels who were working for the "Turkish Cyprus Peace Forces" and Security Forces Command to Ankara.

The command rooms, offices and homes of the Colonels were extensively searched, the sources said.

[14] Atun made a call to the African countries for trade

Addressing a conference on "African – Konya summit – a strategic business development" held in Konya, Atun made a call to the African countries for trade, adding that they support the trade with the African countries.

Atun participated in the conference with "TRNC businessmen". Ambassadors, businessmen and diplomats from 38 African countries attended the conference.

Referring also to the education system in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus, Atun said that they host a large number of African students at their "universities". He also invited the African Ambassadors to visit the occupied area of Cyprus.

(DPs)

[15] The occupation regime in a tourism fair in the Netherlands and Austria

The Ferien Messe Wien Tourism Fair which was held in Vienna between the 12th and 15th of January was attended by 835 representatives from 70 countries and visited by around 160 thousand people.

An increase is expected in the number of tourists to visit the "TRNC" from Austria this year as a result of the effective promotion activities and contacts held at the fair which was attended by numerous professionals from the "tourism sector".

Information promoting "north Cyprus" was provided to visitors during the fair which was attended by the "tourism promotion and marketing department staff" as well as representatives from the "association of Turkish Cypriot Travel Agencies" and the "Turkish Cypriots hoteliers union".

Information brochures in English and German which included a list of 50 reasons why one should visit "north Cyprus", maps, cycling and mountain hiking routes were handed out.

[16] Turkey passes last article on constitutional change; Statements by Erdogan

A total of 481 of 550 Deputies participated in the secret ballot session on the Article 18 on January 15, at Parliament's General Assembly.

The changes were approved by a total of 344 votes. The motion was rejected by 131 MPs, two voted blank, three were invalid and one abstained.

According to the Article 18, the provision that the President has to break off ties with his or her party will be changed when the new motion goes into effect.

Earlier on January 15, Turkish lawmakers adopted Article 17 of the new constitutional reform package which regulates parliamentary and presidential elections.

The second round of voting on the historic constitutional reform package is planned to take place on January 18 after the first round completed on January 15. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) aims to approve 6 articles per day in the second round of the voting and finish it by January 21.

The AK Party plans to have a referendum on constitutional changes on March 26 or at the latest on April 16.

Lawmakers have so far passed regulations that define and lay out parliament's responsibilities -- one of the most discussed items -- and the regulation of criminal liabilities for the President and top officials, as well as structural reforms to the nation's highest judicial body.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (14.01.17) reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Istanbul, at the opening of a new building for Borsa Istanbul, the nation's stock exchange that once adopted, the sweeping constitutional changes now facing Parliament will serve to re-energize Turkey.

"Entry into force of the constitutional changes debated by Parliament will have a galvanizing effect on our country," Erdogan said, adding that "No one can stand in front of the new Turkey's rise and building itself up".

Erdogan reiterated that the final decision on the proposed changes, including a shift to an executive presidential system, would be made by the Turkish people in a referendum following the required passage from the Parliament.

"The nation's will is very important for that. Right now there is an understanding [in Parliament] which cannot tolerate the national will and also cannot tolerate it [the changes] going to a referendum."

(…) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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