Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-01-27

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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: "Everyone needs to assume responsibility as the process is at a point where it can be concluded successfully"

[02] Turkey's MFA reiterated that Turkey's active and effective guarantees in Cyprus will continue

[03] Denktas argued that the Cyprus talks should be ended, if the current talks fail

[04] Erhurman argues that political equality includes effective participation of the Turkish Cypriots in all federal mechanisms

[05] Izcan: Good preparation must be held in order for a new Cyprus summit to be successful

[06] The settlers' party wants a "Nakhchivan and Taiwan model" for the occupied area of Cyprus

[07] Columnist assesses statements by Turkish officials and wonders who is President Anastasiades negotiating with

[08] Columnist says that Turkes' statements lead the Cyprus talks into a deadlock

[09] Columnist says that "early elections" will be held either in October 2017 or in April 2018

[10] "Citizenship was granted to 12 more persons"

[11] Saner said that in a year there was an increase to the retired persons and those who pay social insurances

[12] Ataoglu visited the EMITT exhibition in Istanbul

[13] Turkey protests Greek rejection of extradition of 8 army officers

[14] Merkel will visit Turkey on February 2

[15] Israeli official to visit Turkey on Feb 1 for political discussions

[16] Survey: Majority expected to support presidential system at referendum

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci: "Everyone needs to assume responsibility as the process is at a point where it can be concluded successfully"

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades met yesterday for the first time since a high-level Cyprus conference in Geneva earlier in January focusing on security and guarantees.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Akinci reminded that the technocrats' level meeting at Mont Pelerin had been successful in seeking mechanisms that could address problems regarding the thorny issue of security and guarantees and added: "We were expecting the views and positions of the two sides to be different and they were. However this issue could not be negotiated and concluded at the technocratic level. This is something which needs to be taken up at the political level. The other conclusion that came out of the high level talks in Geneva was to continue negotiating the remaining issues in the 5 chapters. We shall be doing that on the 1st of February. However once this is done the conference needs to resume at the political level. However it is not possible to speak of a date".

Akinci stressed that the conference on Cyprus is continuing and that it will not be an open ended process.

Stating that it was important to maintain the current momentum in the talks, Akinci also pointed out that this did not mean that the issues should be rushed.

Drawing attention to the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side had carried the process to a point where maps had been presented and the issue of security and guarantees brought to the table at a 5-party conference, Ak?nc? said that there is no need to evaluate the point reached in the talks as negative or unsuccessful. "We are not at a point where full agreement has been reached on all the outstanding issues and there are still steps to be taken. However, we as the Turkish Cypriot side have made important and positive contributions to the process", he noted.

Akinci also pointed out that everyone needs to assume responsibility as the process is at a point where it can be concluded successfully.

"The risks associated with 2017 are clear. We need to convene the conference as soon as possible" he said, adding that Greece needed to do its part in order to create a ground for progress.

[02] Turkey's MFA reiterated that Turkey's active and effective guarantees in Cyprus will continue

Touching upon the Cyprus negotiations process at a routine press briefing, Muftuoglu said that the Cyprus talks are important for Turkey.

"The Cyprus negotiations process is important for us. What is important for us is the continuation of Turkey's active and effective guarantees in Cyprus. This is our principled position and our principle. Guarantees are indispensable for Turkey", he said.

[03] Denktas argued that the Cyprus talks should be ended, if the current talks fail

Claiming that the Turkish Cypriots have spent the last 50 years living in uncertainty due to the non-solution of the Cyprus problem, Denktas said that no one has the right to sentence the Turkish Cypriots to live under such conditions. He further alleged: "If the current talks are to be unsuccessful…and it seems they will be, this negotiation process must end. The Turkish Cypriots must have a clearer picture for the future. Turkish Cypriots no longer want to live in isolation or uncertainty. We have a population of 300 thousand. We are only 80km from a nation of 85 million. Turkey's commercial market is more than enough for our population".

Denktas also claimed that "protocols to be signed with Turkey on matters of defence and foreign policy will in time motivate the Greek Cypriots to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriots".

Meanwhile, a scheduled meeting between Denkas and the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Cyprus Affairs Tugrul Turkes for yesterday was cancelled due to a change in Turkes' program.

[04] Erhurman argues that political equality includes effective participation of the Turkish Cypriots in all federal mechanisms

In statements during a briefing of the members of his party in occupied Famagusta on his activities since he undertook the leadership of the CTP, Erhurman argued that even though it has orally been accepted that there will be rotating presidency for a period of 4 to 2 years, for his party the political equality is not only this, but it also includes effective participation of the Turkish Cypriots in all mechanisms of the federal state. He claimed that the political equality should be accepted without a bargaining because "the political equality is not only a right demanded by the Turkish Cypriots", but also "the sole pre-condition for the federation, which we will establish and administrate together, being functional".

Erhurman said that as chairman of the CTP he had held meetings with Greek Cypriot DISY and AKEL parties and the UNSG Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide. He noted that he had also visited Turkey and exchanged views with Turkish officials, such as the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minster, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the leader of the main opposition party. He added: "What I was told in our meetings with officials of the Turkish Republic was that the effort for finding a comprehensive solution the soonest is supported, if a result within the UN parameters could be achieved".

Referring to his presence in Geneva during the international conference on Cyprus, Erhurman alleged that Greece was "delaying and slipping away". He claimed that if Turkey wanted to postpone the issue, it could have accepted Greece's demand for time, but it did not do it saying that the negotiations should continue the soonest at technical level.

(I/Ts.)

[05] Izcan: Good preparation must be held in order for a new Cyprus summit to be successful

In a written statement issued yesterday, Izcan noted: "A good preparation for a new summit is a precondition. The success of the summit depends on this preparation".

Moreover, Izcan underlined that "the United Federal Cyprus is the only formula, which will protect the common interests of all Cypriots and reunify our country".

(I/Ts.)

[06] The settlers' party wants a "Nakhchivan and Taiwan model" for the occupied area of Cyprus

Arikli also claimed that in spite of the "concessions made by the two most pro-peace leaders" in Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot demands could not be satisfied. He alleged: "Turkey should decide now. Either there will be a solution that means being patched to the Greek Cypriots or a formula which will be a mixture of the independent Nakhchivan and Taiwan model in the internal policy and depended on Turkey in the foreign policy and the security".

(I/Ts.)

[07] Columnist assesses statements by Turkish officials and wonders who is President Anastasiades negotiating with

"[…] If concessions are to be given, is Turkey the side which will give them? If this side is Turkey, then what is the Turkish Cypriot side? Who is Mustafa Akinci? Whom he represents? Of course 'consultations with Turkey will be conducted, of course the solution is not possible without Turkey'. However, at the point we have come, I think that the biggest problem is the issue of who the interlocutor of the Greek Cypriot side is! Akinci is the person who will make the agreement at the table. And the agreement will be approved or not approved by the voters who elected Akinci. Who is Akinci negotiating with? With Anastasiades! Who is Anastasiades negotiating with? Behold, the answer of this question is not clearly 'with Akinci'. And the solution becomes more difficult. The agreement becomes even more difficult. Akinci, for example, was never at the point of 'we have taken it with blood and we will give it with blood'! And he will never be at this point! Who has the authority? The answer to this question is not difficult. However, those who know the answer of this question are certain that the solution is impossible! Therefore, everybody knows clearly why there is no solution. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[08] Columnist says that Turkes' statements lead the Cyprus talks into a deadlock

According to the columnist, thanks to such statements Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci has been turned into "an element without power". Noting that the "leading motives" of granting "the citizenship by exception" to groups of 10 or 20 persons in the occupied area of Cyprus may be hidden in this statement, Ozuslu points out that the opening of the debate on the population now "serves no other purpose than causing new troubles for us and leading the negotiating process into a deadlock".

Finally, referring to Turkes' statement that "Turkey would have an issue named Cyprus even if absolutely no Turk was living in Cyprus and it is not possible to abandon it", the columnist agrees that Turkey is in Cyprus for its own interests and not for the Turkish Cypriots.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Columnist says that "early elections" will be held either in October 2017 or in April 2018

According to Resat, the main reason for this is the completion of the "parliamentary elections" and the establishment of the "government" before the "municipal elections", which with certainty will be held in June 2018.

He notes that eight parties seem to intend of running in the "elections", unless coalitions among them are made. He expresses the view that only four of these parties will be able to pass the threshold and enter into the "assembly".

In spite of the fact that he says he does not want to say which these four parties are, Resat argues that the Democratic Party (DP) will increase its percentages, while the National Unity Party (UBP) and the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) will suffer loses. He claims that the People's Party (HP) will also enter into the "assembly" and that the only possibility of this party being in "power" is to form a "government" alone, because if it establishes a "coalition" with the other three parties, its actions will be contrary to its words.

(I/Ts.)

[10] "Citizenship was granted to 12 more persons"

• Bulent Akman, born in Eskisehir, 1959

• Ismail Altindag, born in Ortakaraoren, 1963

• Kazim Kartal, born in Fatsa, 1975

• Emircan Adiguzel, born in Beyoglu, 1991

• Neval Bitmez Senay, born in Istanbul, 1978

• Askim Zenginer, born in Hamburg, 1966

• Subhi Asilturk, born in Gerger Adiyaman, 1978

• Ezel Yildiz Elmas, born in Istanbul, 1977

• Eda Nerkiz, born in Kirikhan, 1992

• Ayfer Hancer, born in the occupied part of Lefkosia, 1994

• Cansu Cicek, born in occoupied Keryneia, 1997

• Rasim Cek, born in Zile, 1968

(DPs)

[11] Saner said that in a year there was an increase to the retired persons and those who pay social insurances

[12] Ataoglu visited the EMITT exhibition in Istanbul

The self-styled minister of tourism and Culture Fikri Ataoglu attended the opening of the tourism fair which is hosting representatives and participants from over 50 countries.

Also present at the opening of the travel and tourism exhibition was the Turkish Minister for Culture and Tourism Nabi Avci, the Governor of Istanbul Vasip Sahin and the Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul Kadir Topbas and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

Following the opening ceremony, Ataoglu and the Turkish Minister Avci came together with sector representatives at the "TRNC pavilion".

Speaking to reporters, Ataoglu said that "the TRNC is offering a wider range of tourism packages to consumers" and added that "the TRNC had more to offer than beach tourism. The new tourism areas include sports, health and culture".

Claiming that "the TRNC's tourism sector has become competitive over the past few years", Ataoglu said that the high occupancy rate in the "country's" hotels is proof of this.

Sector representatives from the "Cyprus Turkish Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB)", the "North Cyprus Hoteliers Association (KITOB)", the "Cyprus Turkish Tour Guides Association (KITREB)" and the "North Cyprus Health Tourism Council" are taking part in the 4 day fair.

Tour operators and travel agency representatives from over 50 countries including Germany, Azerbaijan, the UAE, the Philippines, South Africa, India, Spain, Italy, Kuwait, Macedonia, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Ukraine, Jordan and Greece are attending this year's EMITT fair.

[13] Turkey protests Greek rejection of extradition of 8 army officers

"We protest this verdict that prevents these persons from standing before independent Turkish justice who have been actively participated in the coup attempt targeting at the democratic order in Turkey and the life of our president and that martyred 248 of our citizens and wounding 2193", read the written statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Jan 26.

This decision is another indication of Greece's reluctance in fighting against terror organizations like the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) which target Turkey, the statement read.

It also described the verdict as a violation of international legal norms and principles, accusing Greece of protecting the coup plotters.

"Our initiatives for the extradition and prosecution of these criminals will continue through all legal means", it said, urging that this politically-motivated decision will lead to a comprehensive evaluation on bilateral ties, cooperation on fight against terror and other regional and bilateral issues.

[14] Merkel will visit Turkey on February 2

The Foreign Ministry spokesman explained that Ankara has expressed displeasure over the German Justice Ministry's invitation of fugitive suspect Can Dundar to one of its receptions. "We conveyed our uneasiness to authorities in Berlin over the invitation of Can Dundar," he said.

Dundar, former editor-in-chief of Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, is wanted in Turkey for disclosing highly confidential state documents.

Ankara sees the move by the German Ministry as a provocation ahead of the German leader's trip to Turkey, he added.

"Turkey and Germany are experiencing strong relations," he noted however.

[15] Israeli official to visit Turkey on Feb 1 for political discussions

The Israeli official will visit the Turkish capital on Feb. 1, a Turkish diplomat told the Hurriyet Daily News.

The two officials will draft a road map for a cooperation agenda as part of the normalization process. Also, Turkish Tourism Minister Nabi Avc? will pay a visit to Israel for a tourism fair on Feb. 7-8 in the first high-profile visit to the country since the 2010 Mavi Marmara crisis, which caused a strain in bilateral relations that lasted six years.

The two countries will also step up cooperation on security issues, a Turkish official told the Daily News, adding that both countries needed to conduct consultations on regional security issues such as Syria.

[16] Survey: Majority expected to support presidential system at referendum

According to the survey, more than 95% of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) supporters said yes and more than 56% of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)'s supporters also expressed their favour of the constitutional amendment package.

In the light of the survey, with 70% of the participants from the northern provinces of Turkey supporting the amendment and more than 60% of the participants from the southern and middle Anatolia provinces are expected to say "yes" in the referendum. Commenting on the referendum process Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m stated: "Parliament has accepted that the constitutional amendment will be voted upon by the nation on the day of the referendum and they, as Deputies, allowed the Turkish nation to make demands for the changes." TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs / AM)

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