Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-01-20

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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 asks Tajani representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP

[02] Turkes met with the Turkish negotiating team and Nami in Geneva and briefed Ozgurgun on the Cyprus talks at Mont Pelerin

[03] The work of the technical team at Mont Pelerin ended one day earlier

[04] Akinci warned that the Greek Cypriot side's insistence on zero troops, zero guarantees will lead to a deadlock in the talks

[05] A rift between Akinci and the so-called coalition government on the map issue

[06] Yildirim said that if a solution is reached in Cyprus, Turkey should be treated as an EU country

[07] Reactions against Bulut's statements: "If you want blood go to the slaughter house"

[08] Ozersay argues that BREXIT could pave the way for direct trade between the UK and the breakaway regime

[09] Erhurman called on everyone to focus on solution so the momentum not to be lost

[10] Ertugruloglu reiterated that it is out of the question to make territorial concessions on Morphou and Karpassia

[11] U.S. Ambassador visited Akinci

[12] Derya resigned from her CEC duties

[13] Turkish Cypriot economic organizations argue that Brexit may be a window of opportunity for direct trade between the UK and the "TRNC"

[14] "Citizenship was granted to 10 more persons"

[15] Simsek: EU trade matters more than US trade

[16] Three MPs sent to hospital after violent altercation following handcuff protest

[17] Turkish Ministry of Waters: Every point of the occupied part of Cyprus is reached with water

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci asks Tajani representation of the Turkish Cypriots in the EP

Noting that he had no doubt that Tajani would contribute to the development of the European values and the EU itself, Akinci referred to the Cyprus problem and recalled that they are looking for a bi-zonal bi-communal solution based on the political equality of two founding states. He alleged that in order for the solution to be viable, it is important that its parameters become a part of the European Union law.

Akinci argued also that two of the six seats of the Republic of Cyprus in the EP belong to the Turkish Cypriots and pointed out to the importance of EU's political, technical, financial and moral support. Akinci claimed that it is important for the "elected Turkish Cypriot representatives" to take their place in the EP the soonest and make the voice of the Turkish Cypriot "people" to be heard there as well.

(I/Ts.)

[02] Turkes met with the Turkish negotiating team and Nami in Geneva and briefed Ozgurgun on the Cyprus talks at Mont Pelerin

Turkes stayed in Geneva, held frequent contacts with the Turkish team at Mont Pelerin and met with members of the team in Geneva during the first night of his presence there. Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami also participated in these consultations.

Meanwhile, citing reliable sources, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (20.01.17) reports that Turkes called yesterday to the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun to brief him on the negotiations. Turkes assured Ozgurgun that there was nothing worrying for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots as regards the course of the talks and that everything was under control.

(I/Ts.)

[03] The work of the technical team at Mont Pelerin ended one day earlier

The paper alleges that the process which provided for a meeting in Geneva at Foreign Ministers' level first and at Prime Ministers' level afterwards did not go as planned, allegedly because of the stance of the Greek Foreign Minister. It also claims that the "negative stance" of the UNSG Antonio Guterres against the Greek Foreign Minister is being expressed loudly now.

After the meeting of the technical team, the bureaucrats will hand the "risky process" over to the politicians, writes Havadis arguing that the technocrats determined the issues on which agreement had been reached and the pending issues before a new conference in Geneva where a "give and take" will take place. The leaders are expected in Geneva during the first week of February the latest, writes the paper.

Moreover, according to the same paper, Espen Barth Eide, UNSG' Sepcail Adviser on Cyprus, stated yesterday that the work of the technical committee at Mont Pelerin was successfully completed within the framework of the international conference on the security and guarantees. The sides agreed on not revealing the content of the discussions because the international conference has not been completed yet.

Furthermore, under the title "The deadlock could not be overcome at Mont Pelerin", Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (20.01.17) reports that the talks at Mont Pelerin continued yesterday and that the first impression from the first meeting was that the positions of the sides have not changed and the gap between the views of the intervening parties, especially on the guarantees and the army, could not be bridged.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Akinci warned that the Greek Cypriot side's insistence on zero troops, zero guarantees will lead to a deadlock in the talks

Speaking during a visit paid to him yesterday, Akinci warned that the Greek Cypriot side's insistence on zero troops, zero guarantees will lead to a deadlock in the talks.

Stating that all parties involved in the Cyprus problem need to show good will, a concerted effort and mutual understanding in order for a settlement to be possible, Akinci argued that unrealistic and unreasonable approaches would only drag the process into failure.

"We always need to be realistic. But this is particularly important for the issue of security and guarantees. If you insist on zero troops and zero guarantees the process will end in deadlock. This cannot even be a starting point. They (the Greek Cypriots) need to see and understand that the security concerns of the Turkish Cypriots are addressed. We and Turkey on the other hand are looking for formulas to address their concerns. What is important here is that our concerns are respected and acknowledged. We are ready to work on a formula where our security is not perceived as a threat", he argued.

Also commenting on the issue of maps, Akinci repeated that the map presented by the Greek Cypriot side was not acceptable by the Turkish Cypriot side.

[05] A rift between Akinci and the so-called coalition government on the map issue

A statement released by the UBP press office said that Akinci had made a great strategic mistake by presenting a map before serious progress had been achieved in the talks and tangible gains had been earned at the negotiating table.

"Akinci's statement that our map was the map of Denktas and that this was approved by all the political parties is historically false", the statement added.

The statement which drew attention to the fact that it was the first time the Turkish Cypriot side had presented a map in the history of the talks which started in 1968, pointed out that "the UBP never in the history of the negotiations has ever accepted the reduction of the ratio of territory to be left to the Turkish Cypriot side in the event of a settlement to 29.2 %.

On the same issue, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), self-styled deputy prime minister Serdar Denktas has issued a statement responding to Akinci's remarks that the map presented in Geneva was 29+ as approved by the late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Raif Denktas.

Claiming that Akinci's words created the wrong perception that a map had been put on the table by Denktas in the past, Serdar Denktas argued: "The 29 plus approach accepted by Rauf Denktas at the negotiations was an approach which revealed that the Turkish side would not go below 29% but would only discuss a percentage above this ratio. When the 29% plus approach was revealed there was nothing in the package that accepted Greek Cypriot settlement in the North. Moreover the global exchange method was considered for settling the property issue.

Therefore, the attempt to portray a mistake as something done correctly by highlighting a number which refers to the lowest limit proposed by Denktas, only serves to commit a great injustice towards the half century struggle waged by Denktas and his skills as a negotiator."

Meanwhile, responding to the latest statements made by the UBP and Serdar Denktas, Akinci said: "There is no need to play dumb and distort my words. What I have said is extremely clear: I reminded that the late President Denktas had accepted that the land which will remain in the hands of the Turkish Cypriot side will be 29+ as and when a settlement is reached. His proposal had been approved and endorsed by the parliament at the time. This is a historical fact and there is no need to be uncomfortable with it. I said that the map put forward by us is in line with the percentage ratio accepted and endorsed by the late Denktas and the parliament".

[06] Yildirim said that if a solution is reached in Cyprus, Turkey should be treated as an EU country

Yildirim, who was replying to questions of journalists yesterday at the GrandNational Assembly of Turkey, stated that in order not to return to the situation existed in Cyprus in the 1960s and 1970s, Turkey's guarantees and security issues are out of discussion.

"We refer to an integrated Cyprus where the administration will be just, the rights of the communities will be bonded and the four freedoms will be safeguarded", he said and claimed the following: "When such an agreement is reached, then Turkey should be treated as if it has become member of the EU".

When he was reminded that the Turkish Deputy Minister Responsible for Cyprus Affairs Tugrul Turkes is in Geneva and asked what is going on regarding the Cyprus talks, Yildirim said that for the time being the two sides are testing each other. He also said that when the situation matures enough, then the talks will pass on a higher level.

(CS)

[07] Reactions against Bulut's statements: "If you want blood go to the slaughter house"

"This is Cyprus not Turkey; if you want blood Mr Bulut then go to a slaughter house", KTOS said to Bulut.

In a written statement, KTOS said that only the persons who live in Cyprus have the right to speak in Cyprus and added that those who think that they own the island they will find KTOS in front of them. It also stated that KTOS will continue the struggle until everybody learns to respect the people who live in this island.

"We can see that the Cyprus talks annoyed the attackers, the imperialist and the racist circles and the persons here in our country and in Turkey", KTOS said, adding that despite this the organization will continue fighting in favor of solution and peace.

Afrika also reports that Izzet Izcan, the chairman of the United Cyprus Party also condemned Bulut's statements, noting that these are racist and fascist and made in a very sensitive period for the Cyprus talks.

In addition, Afrika writes that Tozun Tunali, the chairman of the Social Democracy Party, also condemned Bulut's statements noting that these are unacceptable.

(CS)

[08] Ozersay argues that BREXIT could pave the way for direct trade between the UK and the breakaway regime

Referring to the issue of the map, he argued that the issue was not that a map has been submitted at the table, but that something was not taken in return when a bargaining was held or if it was taken it was left in suspense. He claimed that something should have been taken in return before the Turkish Cypriot side to fall below 36%, which is the percentage of the Cyprus territory under Turkish occupation now, alleging that not only the rotating presidency, but the political equality of the Turkish Cypriots and other issues should have been locked up in that safe together with the map.

Asked to comment on Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes in Geneva for the international conference on Cyprus, Ozersay argued that there could be two reasons for this: 1) Turkes wanted to give a message to circles inside Turkey that "do not worry, we control the situation" as a response to the criticism that "the government is selling out Cyprus" and 2) He wanted to give the message to the international community that Turkey attaches importance to the Cyprus problem and to prevent the so-called tendency of the Greek and Greek Cypriot side to delay the process and lower the conference's level.

Moreover, under the title "'With the BREXIT the British market could be opened again for the TNC products'", Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (20.01.17) reports that Ozersay argued that together with the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, a window of opportunity could be created for direct trade between the UK and the "TRNC", the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus. In a written statement issued by his party, it is said that, speaking on a television program, Ozersay underlined the need of urgently undertaking an initiative on this issue.

Ozersay alleged that in the statements made by the British Prime Minister Theresa May two days ago, indications are included that a new window of opportunity will be given for paving the way for the "TRNC" trade. Ozersay drew attention to the statement of the British Premier that after BREXIT they do not want the decisions of the European Court of Justice to be binding for their country and noted that prior to a decision by the ECJ in 1994, products made in the occupied area of Cyprus could be exported and marketed within the European Single Market.

He also alleged that the above message of the British Premier could create a "very interesting situation" from the point of view of the Orams case [Translator's note: The British couple Orams had illegally purchased occupied Greek Cypriot property in occupied Keryneia area]. He recalled that according to the EU laws, the decisions taken by a court in a European country, especially on a civil law-suit, should be recognized and implemented in other EU countries. He argued that the decision taken [on the Orams case] by a court in the Republic of Cyprus, which benefited by this situation, was partly implemented in the UK as a result of the binding interpretation of the ECJ. Theresa May's statements, he claimed, showed that after BREXIT we could face different situations on these issues and "we may be able to make possible positive developments".

(I/Ts.)

[09] Erhurman called on everyone to focus on solution so the momentum not to be lost

He also stated that he expects results to come out by the end of February. "If the procedure is prolonged the momentum will be lost", he said.

Erhurman, who made these statements during a meeting with journalists at his party's headquarters, stated that the Cyprus problem cannot be evaluated separately of the international developments, as the election of the new President of the US or the appointment of the new UN Secretary General or the talks on Syria which will be held in Astana.

He also said that in Geneva he got the impression that the new UN Secretary General will be more involved to the Cyprus procedure compared to predecessor. He also said that the discussion whether the Republic of Cyprus will be at the negotiation table is over.

Erhurman, claimed that President Nicos Anastasiades has not taken yet the necessary steps regarding political equality "which is not only an issue of the rotating presidency but also means participating in taking decisions", as he claimed.

Referring to the Turkish guarantees he said that surveys on the issue are taken into consideration in order for the Turkish Cypriots to feel safe.

(CS)

[10] Ertugruloglu reiterated that it is out of the question to make territorial concessions on Morphou and Karpassia

Speaking in interviews to Al Jazeera Turk and The Economist, Ertugruloglu claimed that he desires a solution to the Cyprus problem but added that it is out of the question for the Turkish Cypriots to give up their sovereignty and Turkey's effective guarantee.

Ertugruloglu also alleged that it is out of the question to make territorial concessions on Morphou and Karpassia.

He argued that the issue of territory should not focus on how much territory the Turkish Cypriot side will concede to the Greek Cypriot side but should be perceived as a border adjustment.

On the issue of guarantees, Ertugruloglu said that Turkey's guarantees are a 100% indispensable for the Turkish Cypriot "people". "I do not share the view that EU member countries do not require guarantees", he said.

Ertugruloglu also argued that the international community needs to acknowledge and understand the concerns of the Turkish Cypriot "people" as well as the realities on the island in order for a settlement to take place.

[11] U.S. Ambassador visited Akinci

During the meeting, Akinci's special advisor for political affairs and history Meltem Onurkan Samani, as well as officers from the US Embassy were present.

(DPs)

[12] Derya resigned from her CEC duties

Derya announced her resignation through her social media account.

In her statement, Derya said that she had conveyed her resignation verbally at the party central executive meeting on the 15th of January 2017 and had presented the party's general secretary her resignation on the 16th of January.

She however refrained from disclosing the reasons for her resignation, stating that the party was the only authorized body she needed to answer to in regards to her resignation.

The CTP "deputy" also added that she shall continue her other party duties and responsibilities for the rights and interests of the public.

[13] Turkish Cypriot economic organizations argue that Brexit may be a window of opportunity for direct trade between the UK and the "TRNC"

Ali Cirali, chairman of the "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry", said that they should follow very close the procedure in order to be ready for lobbying.

Fikri Toros, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, said that the conditions of Brexit have been not cleared yet and when they will be then he will himself initiate a lobby activity.

Ahmet Sadi, chairman of the Businessmen association, said that in case of a failure of the Cyprus talks, then they should organize and think for a plan B,C and D.

(DPs)

[14] "Citizenship was granted to 10 more persons"

The "coalition government UBP-DP granted the TRNC citizenship" to the following ten persons in a meeting of the "council of ministers":

• Mikhail Hessin, born in Russia, 1985

• Yasin Coskun, born in Reyhanli, 1977

• Mikail Yel, born in Kozan, 1979

• Cengiz Kaya, born in Nevsehir, 1972

• Akif Serin, born in Silifke, 1959

• Mehmet Ider, born in Kirikhan, 1994

• Lokman Onur Uyanik, born in Ankara, 1977

• Izmit Inci Asici, born in 1979

• Muhammad Rafique, born in Mirpur Ak, 1970

• Yusuf Ozbek, born in Kirikkale, 1959

(DPs)

[15] Simsek: EU trade matters more than US trade

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Simsek said the European Union mattered "ten times" more than the U.S. as a trading partner for Turkey. "As far as Turkey is concerned, the EU matters ten times more than the U.S. as far as a trading partner. The EU accounts for about 50% of our trade. The U.S. accounts for roughly 5%. So, for us, the EU matters more", Simsek said.

About rumoured U.S. economic protectionism under Trump's leadership, Simsek said: "Protectionism is bad for global economy. It is bad for emerging markets."

"We are delighted that the European Commission has given the go-ahead, a green light for upgrading the customs union to expand into agriculture services and public procurement … that could easily double the trade volume between Turkey and the EU over a decade or so from about $150 billion to $300 billion dollars.

"It is good for the EU and Turkey. So, we are not that concerned about the stated protectionist tendencies," he added.

[16] Three MPs sent to hospital after violent altercation following handcuff protest

"I wanted to speak out to MHP [Nationalist Movement Party] lawmakers by using my democratic right to protest. I suggested that they could go down in history by saying 'no' to this charter", Nazl?aka said Jan. 19 following the physical altercation between ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and opposition female lawmakers that occurred after she handcuffed herself to the lectern to protest the constitutional amendment.

"The eighth item was to be voted on. It was a very critical item. After completing the speeches after both proposals, I wanted to give a message to the nation by handcuffing myself to the parliamentary lectern. It also represents how the Parliament has been handcuffed. While the door of the Parliament has been chained, it is important that we have chained ourselves," she said, stating that reaching MHP lawmakers, who have allied with the AKP on the charter, was the primary motive for her protest.

After Nazliaka handcuffed herself, women AKP lawmakers approached Nazl?aka in an attempt to remove the handcuffs, prompting a physical altercation. During the brawl, Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers Safak Pavey, Burcu Celik Ozkan and Melike Basmac?, People's Democracy Party (HDP) lawmaker Pervin Buldan and AKP lawmaker Gokcen Ozdogan Enc, as well as Nazl?aka, were wounded. Pavey was hospitalized after her prosthetic leg was damaged while Buldan was hospitalized due to a blow to her chest that caused arrhythmia. Enc was also taken to hospital for injuries.

"I was next to the lectern. The AKP's Enc attempted to hit me. Ozkan interrupted that attempt. They [the AKP lawmakers] pulled her [Ozkan's] hair. Enc pushed me, I fell on the floor. [The AKP lawmakers] all attacked us, blinded with anger," Pavey told online news site Diken on Jan. 19, adding that her prosthetic leg was damaged during the altercations.

The HDP women's group conducted a press conference in the aftermath of the violent altercations.

"Masculine language and masculine violence, which is kept alive by male counterparts, is, unfortunately, alive today due to female Deputies. This behaviour, especially toward our Deputy President [Buldan], and this violence is unacceptable. We will not permit violence in this Parliament," Filiz Kerestecioglu, the deputy group chairperson of the HDP, said on behalf of the HDP's women's group, slamming the AKP lawmakers' move against Nazliaka.

Although the violent brawl prolonged the process, the lawmakers continued to vote on the items of the constitutional charters after the events.

Lawmakers agreed on four more items, including Articles 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the constitutional amendment in sessions late on Jan. 19 and early on Jan. 20.

Article 8, which regulates the duties and authorities of the President, passed with 339 votes.

Article 9, which covers the framework of the accountability of the President passed with 341 votes while Article 10, which regulates the President's authority to appoint Vice Presidents and re-election procedures, passed with 340 votes.

Article 11, which gives the President the authority to annul the Parliament, passed with 342 votes. The lawmakers will continue to vote on the remaining seven items on Jan. 20 while AKP lawmakers plan to finalize the voting by Jan. 21.

[17] Turkish Ministry of Waters: Every point of the occupied part of Cyprus is reached with water

The statement was made after the finishing of the pipelines which serve the occupied areas of Keryneia and Karpassia.

(CS) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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(DPs / AM)

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