Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-02-16

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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] Akinci's statements following the meeting with Anastasiades

[02] Ozgurgun alleged that no place of the TRNC will be returned

[03] Talat: "Those who want the celebration of 1950 plebiscite need psychiatric treatment"

[04] Columnist argues that the House of Representatives' decision on 1950 plebiscite proves the demand for guarantees to be right

[05] Commentary: "Northern Cyprus: The new destination for Turks fleeing Turkey"

[06] The occupation regime "granted" the "TRNC's citizenship" to 13 more persons

[07] The participants of the "2nd international north Cyprus cycling tour" which is launched today

[08] Cavusoglu to attend the Munich Security conference and the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting

[09] Turkey's unemployment rate rises to 12.1%, highest in seven years

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Akinci's statements following the meeting with Anastasiades

Underlining the need for establishing a culture of peace, particularly at schools, Akinci said that the fact that the decision had been approved by Anastasiades' own party DISY at the committee level and later indirectly at the House of Representatives by voting in abstention had caused great disappointment and anger within the Turkish Cypriot society.

Explaining that the Greek Cypriot leader had read out a five page document, outlining the Greek Cypriot side's views regarding the issue in which reference is made to events marked in the "TRNC" which is of great discomfort for the Greek Cypriot community, Akinci said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" expected the Greek Cypriot leader to undo this decision.

"It may be true that there are a number of such events marked in the TRNC but the difference being here is that these events have been carried out as part as a tradition. They were not introduced by me. More importantly I acknowledged in speeches delivered on those days that the Greek Cypriots too experienced great suffering in the past. I have also taken a stance against other issues too, he said.

Akinci noted that the Turkish Cypriots did not want to see their future partners collaborating and working together with extreme nationalist parties such as ELAM.

Akinci also denied reports in the Greek Cypriot press that he had walked out of the meeting. "Once we exchanged our views on the issue which we chose to do personally, the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor tried to wrap up the discussion, stating that steps were required to address the demands of the Turkish Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriot leader angrily stated that he had nothing else to say before walking out of the meeting", said Akinci.

Akinci said that he felt the need to share this information as it was claimed by the Greek Cypriot press that he had walked out of the meeting.

He added it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriot side to tolerate such acts of disrespect. "We have had occasions in the past when Mr Anastasiades lost his temper. But no matter what our differences may be we have always maintained our respect. Under the current circumstances it was not possible to ignore his actions", Akinci said.

[02] Ozgurgun alleged that no place of the TRNC will be returned

According to Ozgurgun, in the period between 15-20 of July 1974, the persons who contacted the coup and supported enosis, murdered more than two thousands Greek Cypriots and aimed to assassin many Turkish Cypriots as well. He also claimed that Anastasiades supported enosis when he called on the Turkish Cypriots not to celebrate July 20th. Anastasiades made this statement when he was called to comment on the decision adopted with majority by the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding the celebration in the public schools of the 1950 plebiscite.

In addition, Turkish Cypriot Star Kibris (16.02.17 online http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=243778) reports that the so-called prime minister claimed that no place of the TRNC is open for bargaining and no place will be given back.

Ozgurgun made these statements during a visit he paid to some occupied villages of Mesaoria.

He alleged that they will demonstrate with investments that they will make in some areas that their answers for returning some areas mentioned at the Cyprus negotiations are negative. He also claimed that every investment made in these soils is sending the message that the Turkish Cypriot "people" are continuing every kind of development in order to live in this land equally and with dignity.

He also claimed that they own a debt of gratitude to "motherland Turkey" which always supports them and co-operate with them, as well as to the Turkish armed forces who provide them with security.

Ozgurgun also alleged that they do not pay attention to reports that so and so areas were discussed for return at the negotiations because as he said "no place of the TRNC is opened for bargaining". He also claimed that investments started to taking place in some areas while other investments are about to be launched in other areas and that they try to have the same investments in every part of the "TRNC" from occupied Limnitis to Rizokarpasso.

(CS)

[03] Talat: "Those who want the celebration of 1950 plebiscite need psychiatric treatment"

Recalling that the decision was a proposal submitted by the fascist ELAM party, Talat argued that this is nothing else but an effort to sabotage the peace process and lead it to a deadlock.

Referring to President Anastasiades' statement "You should not celebrate the 20th of July as well", Talat claimed that the two incidents differ between each other.

On the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris (16.02.17-http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=243777) reports that Talat alleged that those who wish for the Enosis to be commemorated need psychiatric treatment. He also claimed the following: "The 1950 plebiscite was Cyprus' disaster. Commemorating a disaster is of course not normal. Those who are not psychologically good need psychiatric treatment".

(AK)

[04] Columnist argues that the House of Representatives' decision on 1950 plebiscite proves the demand for guarantees to be right

It is a reality that the negotiations between Akinci and Anastasiades have fallen into a coma. Diplomatic circles refrain from talking about it, but the situation is there. Some say that Akinci has shown so hard reaction in order for putting the negotiations in danger. Some note that Anastasiades finds it difficult to understand Turkish Cypriot side's reactions. All these do not change the plain truth. It is evident that the two leaders will not be able to return back to bargaining. Therefore, an urgent interference in the negotiating table is a precondition. The most creative proposal on this issue has come by AKEL's General Secretary, Andros Kyprianou. […]

AKEL wants Anastasiades to state that he accepts the rotating presidency so that the bargaining process to resume. This is a correct and reasonable proposal. Because AKEL also knows very well that if the negotiations are interrupted and the table is overturned, everyone will be harmed. However, the Greek Cypriot side [is the one which will be harmed] the most. Now is the time for Anastasiades to show his leadership. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Commentary: "Northern Cyprus: The new destination for Turks fleeing Turkey"

"Turks call northern Cyprus baby land (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus), a term deriving from motherland. (…)

But some mainland Turks know Cyprus so well that they are now even migrating to the northern part. There is a serious rise in the number of Turks who are settling or buying property, according to Turkish Cypriot officials. This is not surprising in view of the fact that a serious number of people who feel their lifestyle is threatened by the current administration have been looking for ways to emigrate.

While they would not say it on record, Turkish Cypriots do admit that Turks come to northern Cyprus to flee the oppressive atmosphere of Turkey.

It is not just about the political environment which, in contrast to Turkey, is devoid of tension. I think Turks are also attracted by the many attributes of 'civilized' life in the northern part.

(..)

Our prejudice that the 'Turkish Cypriots live a comfortable, nice and easy life thanks to money coming from the mainland', had led to confusion in our minds about the characteristics of the Turkish Cypriots. We confused slow work and joie de vivre with laziness. (…)"

[06] The occupation regime "granted" the "TRNC's citizenship" to 13 more persons

1) Abdullah Kurklu, born in 1979 in Basoren-Turkey

2) Yusuf Yenidoganay, born in 1980 in Adana

3) Ertugrul Bulbul, born in 1973 in Berlin

4) Orcun Arslan, born in 1980 in Ankara

5) Hasan Govgoz, born in 1966 in Antakya, Turkey

6) Ahmet Bayraktar, born in 1974 in Altinozlu, Turkey

7) Sevil Baser, born in 1980 in Mersin, Turkey

8) Nurullah Uslu, born in 1997 in Antakya, Turkey

9) Shengyul Molla, born in 1985 in Turkey

10) Hasan Karagenc, born in 1943 in Turkey

11) Serdar Askaroglu, born in 1980 in Mersin

12) Argun Korhan Sayginer, born in 1976 in Bornova, Turkey

13) Ahmet Gurbuz, born in 1974 in Besni, Turkey

The "decision" of the "council of ministers" was published in the "official gazette" of the occupation regime on February 10.

(AK)

[07] The participants of the "2nd international north Cyprus cycling tour" which is launched today

The tour which is taking place between the 16th and 19th of February is under the auspices of the so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun, the "ministry of sports" and the "cyclists federation of the TRNC" and aims to the promotion of cycling tourism in the breakaway regime.

The following countries are taking place in the tour:

Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Ukraine, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, FYROM, Venezuela.

The participating groups are as follows:

Al Salam Cycling Club (Saudi Arabia),

Astana City Continental (Kazakhstan)

Biemme Cycling Team (Ukraine)

Brisaspor Bisiklet Tak?m? (Turkey)

CCN Metalac Cycling Team (Serbia)

CNC Cycling Team («Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus»)

Corratec Cycling Team (Germany)

ISD Jorbi Continental Team (Ukraine)

Kazakhstan National Team (Kazakhstan)

Kempten Cycling Team (Germany)

Kolls Cycling Team (Ukraine)

Nessebar Shockblaze (Bulgaria)

Rising Star Cycling Team («Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus»)

Torku S?eker Spor (Turkey)

Synergy Baku (Azerbaijan)

Unieuro Trevigiani Hemus 1896 (Bulgaria)

Velo - M Kumanovo (Macedonia)

Wilier Triestina Selle Italia (Italy).

(CS)

[08] Cavusoglu to attend the Munich Security conference and the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting

Cavusoglu will deliver a speech at a panel and will also conduct bilateral meetings on the side-lines of the conference, the ministry stated. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is also expected to briefly attend the conference and hold a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily Sabah newspaper (online, 16.02.15) reports that Cavusoglu will also attend the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in the city of Bonn in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state on February 16-17.

Global and regional issues such as peacekeeping, cooperation with Africa as well as sustainable development are expected to be discussed during the meeting.

In addition to this meeting, the 9th MIKTA Foreign Ministers meeting will also be held on February 16 in Bonn under the chairmanship of Turkey and with the participation of member states Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and Australia.

During the MIKTA meeting, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu will inform the members of the body of Turkey's priorities during his term as chairman and exchange views on global and regional issues.

Cavusoglu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several of his counterparts.

[09] Turkey's unemployment rate rises to 12.1%, highest in seven years

The number of unemployed persons aged 15 years and above rose to 3.7 million in November 2016, 590,000 more than the same period of the previous year, pushing the unemployment rate to 12.1% with a 1.6 percentage point increase, according to Turkish Statistics Institute (TUIK) data.

While the youth unemployment rate, including persons aged 15-24, was 22.6% with a 3.5% point increase, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15-64 was 12.3% with a 1.6% point increase.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was also announced at 11.8% with a 0.1% point increase.

The number of employed people was 27.07 million in November 2016, up 391,000 from a year earlier. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) was 52.1%, up 0.9% point or 980,000. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

http://www.pio.gov.cy

(DPs / AM)

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