Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-02-28

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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] Statements by Akinci prior departing for Pakistan

[02] Ak?nc? speaks to Haber Turk

[03] Cavusoglu called Anastasiades to say if he does not want a Cyprus settlement

[04] Cavusoglu slams Greece on not extraditing ex-soldiers; Statements on the Cyprus problem

[05] Bahceli: "Cyprus is Turkish, is Turkey's homeland"

[06] Siber criticized President Nikos Anastasiades for the way he views the issue of the political equality

[07] Reactions to statements describing the Turkish Cypriots as "minority"

[08] Talat correlates the House of Representatives decision on the 1950 plebiscite to President Anastasiades' "need for votes"

[09] Ertugruloglu briefed foreign students on the Cyprus problem

[10] Denktas: "The Turkish Cypriots are not a minority"

[11] The foundation for new "hospital" in occupied Morfou was laid

[12] Turkish Cypriot political parties and NGO's called Akinci and Anastasiades to resume talks

[13] AKP deputy chairman: The current negotiation is the last chance for reaching a solution in Cyprus

[14] Akinci met with the US Ambassador to Cyprus

[15] Two more persons were "granted" the "TRNC citizenship"

[16] "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" participates in the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai

[17] Occupied Keryneia is ruined from over construction according to a Turkish Cypriot daily

[18] "TRNC" participated in the Global Healthcare Travel Forum in Amman

[19] Erdogan to attend economic summit in Pakistan

[20] Turkey harshly slams Austria's Foreign Minister over remarks on Erdogan's plan rally in Austria

[21] How the Turkish citizens residing abroad voted on November 2015 elections

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Statements by Akinci prior departing for Pakistan

Ak?nc? also warned that the process ahead carry a number of risks. "If they're going to take steps they should do it as soon as possible. This is our expectation. Then they will see whether or not the talks resume once they take the necessary steps", he argued.

Claiming that there were attempts to create the false impression that he was abandoning the negotiating table, Ak?nc? said that they were not obligated to give information to anyone or to seek permission when carrying out visits abroad. "We have responsibilities aside from the negotiations. We do not need to seek anyone's permission when going somewhere. Nevertheless, out of courtesy, we informed our counterparts and the UN when planning for the meetings ahead that we would be unavailable at the end of February and beginning of March as we would be travelling to Pakistan. Both the Greek Cypriot side and the UN knew about this. It is unfortunate to see that this is being exploited and the wrong messages are being given by various circles" he said.

Also, touching upon the developments following the Cyprus House of Representative's decision to commemorate the 1950 Enosis plebiscite at schools in the "south", Ak?nc? said that he was watching developments in astonishment and disappointment.

He added that he was shocked to see how there were attempts to downplay the importance of such a decision as well as to create the impression that the Turkish Cypriot side had abandoned the talks on the pretext of the upcoming referendum in Turkey.

"As I have said before, the arguments and claims that this crisis is linked with the referendum in Turkey are unnecessary. Turkey has made no such demand and does not have such a demand", Akinci further alleged.

Ak?nc? also argued that what is important for Turkey is for the two sides to agree on a settlement and a model where both sides can live in equality, freedom and security within the context of security and guarantees.

Ak?nc? also reminded that it was actually the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades who had requested for more time in the process.

"Anastasiades's remarks are aimed at appeasing the church and the other Greek Cypriot parties rather than being directed at me" he said, adding that the Turkish Cypriots had strong economic and social bonds with Turkey which would continue under the conditions of "isolation" that exist.

Responding to a question as to whether or not the talks will resume, Ak?nc? said that this will not be easy but added that the Turkish Cypriot side was eager to see the Greek Cypriots take steps on the matter.

"If they do it they will do it. If they don't we shall be evaluating our next steps with all segments of the Turkish Cypriot society" he added.

[02] Ak?nc? speaks to Haber Turk

Evaluating the latest phase reached at the Cyprus negotiations, Akinci explained about the developments that took place at the Cyprus negotiations table between himself and the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and referred to the unsettling dimensions of the situation.

"There are lists at schools with the dates of commemorations, all of these are good events but they want to add a day to commemorate Enosis. This event actually harmed people", Akinci argued.

Reminding that according to research carried out the Greek Cypriot youth were far from wanting a solution on the island, Ak?nc? argued that Enosis was the mother of all evils on the island and therefore this wrong message should not be passed on to the youth of the island and called for the decision regarding the Enosis plebiscite to be rectified.

"Anastasiades is now saying that it was a bad decision and that it shouldn't have happened. He could issue a new notice in Parliament to make changes, that's what we are waiting for", said Ak?nc?.

"By rectifying the mistakes, he can prevent the negotiating table from being overturned", stated Ak?nc? and alleged that the reason behind the crisis could be the 2018 elections in the south of the island.

Explaining that it wasn't the first time a crisis was experienced at the talks, Akinci reminded that a crisis had emerged because he had held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Noting that the Cyprus issue should be kept outside of internal politics, he added that out of the 6 chapters needed for a solution the most important chapter was the issue of territory.

Emphasizing the fact that if an agreement is to be reached then the issue of territory needed to be solved, Ak?nc? said: "If an agreement is to be reached then some of the land we gained during the peace operation needs to be returned. We will agree on this later but currently we haven't reached an agreement yet. There is a map in the vault but we have not given a map to the Greek Cypriots".

Explaining that an agreement not supported by Turkey will not be realized, Ak?nc? said that Turkish officials were fully aware of everything that has taken place.

"Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu came to the TRNC the other day and we discussed the Cyprus negotiations process. He told us that they understand and embraced our position" said Ak?nc?.

He added that although the Cyprus negotiations table had been shaken it had not been toppled and that he had come to the table to realize plan A, that being bringing peace to the island. "I have no other plan" Akinci further claimed.

[03] Cavusoglu called Anastasiades to say if he does not want a Cyprus settlement

Cavusoglu claimed: "Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades is my personal friend. He supported the Annan plan. He is still hiding behind it. Do not hide behind it, take the lead. Show that you want a solution now, let be brave. If you start show weakness due to political concerns, elections, then even a small party like ELAM will grab you from the leg and drag you to the squares. As a friend, I warned Anastasiades. Do not follow these populist parties. If Anastasiades does not want a solution, let him say, and we will finish this job. If the talks become unsuccessful, we will sit together with the TRNC (translator's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) and we will decide. At this moment there is no taken decision."

(DPs)

[04] Cavusoglu slams Greece on not extraditing ex-soldiers; Statements on the Cyprus problem

"Greece preventing the traitors from being prosecuted for their crimes are not in line with good-neighborly, friendly relations", stated Cavusoglu.

"Unfortunately this attitude is no surprise to us. The PKK's head who is now in prison was hidden by Greece too," Cavusoglu added, referring to the terrorist group's leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who was caught and jailed in 1999.

(?)

On Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias' remarks that the Turkish "general staff chief couldn't set foot on the Kardak [Imia islets] even if he wanted to," Cavusoglu said: "If his duty was to do so, he would have done it. Let's not forget that we set foot on the places we were supposed to. Our stance on Kardak [Imia islets] is clear", Cavusoglu alleged.

Responding to the Cyprus Parliament's decision to hold an annual decision honoring "Enosis," or the idea of Cyprus becoming part of Greece, Cavusoglu said the dream of linking Cyprus to Greece has been at the root of Cyprus' troubles since 1960.

"Behind all the suffering and bloodshed lie Enosis and the actions of people dreaming of Enosis. So the efforts of [Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos] Kotzias to paint this issue as insignificant by saying Turkey is making excuses for recent developments on the island to maintain its military presence in the country is a lie and evidence of the mentality it represents in Greece's solution negotiations."

[05] Bahceli: "Cyprus is Turkish, is Turkey's homeland"

"[?] The Cyprus negotiation process was dragged to a stalemate. The Greek Cypriot Parliament have approved a decision for Enosis, and the Greek Cypriot leader slammed the door and walked out of the negotiations. The Greek Cypriots should understand very well this, that Cyprus is Turkish, is Turkey's homeland. Enosis is a made up tale and is situated under our feet. If the Greek Cypriot administration wants to be annexed to Greece, it should abandon the island, go settle in Greece and not come back. Who they are trying to get rid of and from which country? Is this disgraceful behavior accepted from the Turkish society? Being one step ahead on the Cyprus problem is a tale. Cyprus is our martyr's reminiscence", Bahceli claimed.

(AK)

[06] Siber criticized President Nikos Anastasiades for the way he views the issue of the political equality

Siber who gave an interview to Havadis newspaper, stated that this is against the efforts made for the solution of the Cyprus problem and claimed that the Enosis issue is the main reason for the non-reaching a solution.

She went on and claimed that she was not optimist about reaching a solution in 2016 because she is one of the persons who read the minutes of the negotiations. She also claimed that with the 1950 Enosis plebiscite the worries of the Turkish Cypriots on the issue of security were justified.

(CS)

[07] Reactions to statements describing the Turkish Cypriots as "minority"

Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci alleged that President Anastasiades' statements were "unacceptable" and include elements, which aim at satisfying the Church and the so-called "rejectionists' front" and that the "minority-majority" characterizations are contrary to the principles of the federal solution. He claimed that the allegation that the relation between the Turks and the Greeks in Cyprus is a relation between a minority and a majority is contrary to the UN parameters providing for a relation in a political equality based on two equal founding states.

President Anastasiades' statements have been condemned by self-styled prime minister Ozgurgun and self-styled deputy prime minister Denktas.

In statements to Kibris, Turkish Cypriot politicians commented on the issue and said that the negative statements mutually made recently between the sides spoil the climate and should be avoided so that the resumption of the negotiations is possible.

Former Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat argued that the situation now is not pleasant at all and it is negative and bad. Talat noted that the sides should avoid making negative statements and "exhibit leadership for putting the process on the right track".

Cemal Ozyigit, chairman of the Social Democracy Party (TDP), said that the conditions which blew up the negotiations should be abolished and the sides should refrain from making statements which spoil the basis of the negotiations. Recalling that he had held contacts in the government-controlled area of the Republic for the resumption of the talks, Ozyigit argued that the negotiations will resume, if the decision of the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding the commemoration of the 1950 plebiscite in schools is abolished. Finally, he described as "not acceptable" President Anastasiades' statements showing the Turkish Cypriots as having the minority status.

Izzet Izcan, chairman of the United Cyprus Party (BKP), argued that both leaders "ill-treat" each other recently and the negotiations got out of control. He added: "The Turkish Cypriot community is neither a minority nor it should run away from the table. We cannot be dragged behind secessionist policies [?]". Izcan argued that the decision of the House of Representatives was wrong and should be corrected.

Alpay Durduran, member of the party committee of the New Cyprus Party (YKP), said that they have established that the negotiations came to the end when the turn of the core issues came for discussion. He said that the leaders should avoid such statements and behave with determination.

Tozun Tunali, chairman of the Social Democrat Party (SDP), said that as long as accusations continue between the sides, finding a solution in Cyprus will not be possible.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Talat correlates the House of Representatives decision on the 1950 plebiscite to President Anastasiades' "need for votes"

In statements to Radio Vatan, Talat claimed that Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis exhibits a negative stance in the negotiations and constitutes an obstacle for President Anastasiades. He also alleged that the Greek Cypriot side should accept the political equality and the Turkish Cypriots' effective participation in the decision making process.

Meanwhile, in statements to Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (27.02.17), Talat called on the leaders to launch a dialogue for overcoming the existing crisis in the Cyprus talks. He noted that a way for returning to the negotiating table should be found and added:

"A team could work on this issue. Solutions in diplomacy are not exhausted. [?] You cannot do this by slamming Anastasiades. Since we are seeking for a solution, the dignity of the two sides should be protected in order for being able to materialize the solution [?]

If there is no solution, we will continue our way as TRNC of course, we have no other way. What else can we do? However, I think that this will not lead us anywhere just like it did not lead us anywhere [until now] [?]

I have always been saying the following: It is difficult to make peace. [?] There is a proverb saying: One mad man throws a stone into a well and ten reasonable men cannot take it out. Now the reasonable men cannot take out from the well the stone thrown by ELAM".

Referring to the issue of granting the "citizenship" of the regime to illegal Turkish settlers by the self-styled government, Talat said that they continue giving the so-called "citizenship by exception" and misuse the "law". He expressed the view that new "lawsuits" should be filed on this issue.

(I/Ts.)

[09] Ertugruloglu briefed foreign students on the Cyprus problem

During the briefing which was held at the "foreign ministry headquarters", Ertugruloglu briefed the group of 25 graduate students on the history of the Cyprus issue and the negotiations process.

According to a statement released by the "foreign ministry", Erugruloglu also answered students' questions.

[10] Denktas: "The Turkish Cypriots are not a minority"

Speaking on the Cyprus Issue, Denktas said that statements made on the Greek Cypriot side regarding the negotiations process were important in understanding why the Cyprus issue could not be solved.

Referring to President Nicos Anastasiades' latest remarks that "the majority could not be equated with the minority", Denktas said: "This clearly means that the Greek Cypriot side does not accept the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot people and that their understanding which led to the 1964 events has not changed. This mentality which sees us as a minority will be resurrected if we reach a forced solution."

"Today, Anastasiades and all Greek Cypriot political parties, who enjoy the comfort of materializing their dreams of Enosis indirectly through EU membership, can openly state that they see us as a minority and that we cannot possess any other rights than those of a minority", he claimed.

Denktas added that the Turkish Cypriots should focus on strengthening their "state" in the face of such degrading and insulting statements.

"We need to voice in the strongest way possible the view that a settlement with the south can only be possible with the inclusion of our state" he said, adding that it should be understood that a solution without the "TRNC" could result in the rights of Turkish Cypriots granted on paper being easily removed.

Denktas also pointed out that the political equality was not an aspect of power sharing which was directly related with population.

"The Turkish Cypriots who were one of the two equal partners of the 1960 Republic did not give up their political rights which have been usurped by the Greek Cypriots since 1964 as a result of the persevering negotiations carried out by the founding president Rauf Raif Denktas. These rights have been documented and accepted as a result of the right of self-determination exercised during the Annan Plan referendum" Denktas further claimed.

[11] The foundation for new "hospital" in occupied Morfou was laid

The so-called prime minister Huseyin Ozgurgun laid the foundation stone of the new 120 bed capacity and 15,500m? hospital building.

Speaking during the ceremony, so-called minister of health Faiz Sucuoglu said that the UBP-DP "coalition government" had taken important steps towards improving public health services in the "TRNC" during the 9 months it has been in office.

Sucuoglu listed these as the new oncology hospital in the occupied part of Lefkosia, the health centre in the occupied Kokkina village, and the first and second stage of the Tren Yolu Polyclinic as well as the new "hospital" in occupied Morfou.

Pointing out that there was a serious need for a proper hospital in occupied Morfou, Sucuoglu said "for me this very foundation we lay today is the final proof that not a single pebble from Guzelyurt will be given away. Guzelyurt is an indispensable part of the TRNC; the hospital is the biggest proof that we are protecting our claims here."

Also speaking at the ceremony, Ozgurgun said that such investments were proof that the Turkish Cypriots had deeply embedded roots in Cyprus.

He also highlighted the importance the "government" attached to occupied Morfou and the surrounding area. "We are all gathered here today to show that the perceptions created and the feelings of uncertainty regarding Guzelyurt are unnecessary" Ozgurgun also alleged.

Touching upon the Cyprus problem, Ozgurgun claimed that the recent developments showed that there is indeed a Greek Cypriot side that is trying to usurp the rights of the Turkish Cypriot "people".

He also alleged that the Greek Cypriots continued to perceive the Turkish Cypriots as a minority but also demanded to take on the EU's term presidency despite its small population.

(?)

[12] Turkish Cypriot political parties and NGO's called Akinci and Anastasiades to resume talks

Representatives from the United Cyprus Party (BKP), the Communal Liberation Party-New Forces (TKP), the New Cyprus Party (YKP), the "Turkish Cypriot teachers' trade union" (KTOS) and the "Turkish Cypriot state employees union", gathered in front of the so-called presidential palace on Monday, read out a press statement and called on the two leaders to resume the talks and for the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades to free himself from the influence of fascist elements.

"We reject Enosis and Taksim. The future of Cyprus is a federation. Our call to Ak?nc? is to return to the negotiating table rather than travelling to Pakistan and for Mr. Anastasiades to free himself from the influence of fascist elements, to stop acting capriciously and to return to the negotiating table constructively to continue the talks from where they were left off", the statement said.

[13] AKP deputy chairman: The current negotiation is the last chance for reaching a solution in Cyprus

Aktay, who was replying to questions of Havadis, said that the continuation of the procedure in Cyprus "depends on the correction of the mistake that the Greek Cypriot leader made", as he alleged and claimed that Turkey does not follow an annexation policy in Cyprus.

He went on arguing that the Greek Cypriot leader does not accept the political equality of the Turkish Cypriot side and the rotation presidency. "This does not coincide with the understating of a federal solution", he stated alleging that "a person who wants a solution does not behave in such manner".

He also claimed that looking at the facts, it becomes obvious that the youth and the society are badly influenced by the church and the education system in such a way that they have not been prepared for a common bi-communal life. He also alleged that instead of preparing his people for a solution, the Greek Cypriot leader is causing new problems.

(CS)

[14] Akinci met with the US Ambassador to Cyprus

Akinci's "special adviser on political affairs and history", Dr. Meltem Onurkan Samani was present at the meeting.

Although the press was permitted to take some footage, the meeting was held behind closed doors.

No statement was made before or after the meeting.

[15] Two more persons were "granted" the "TRNC citizenship"

These are Nazli Arici (born in 1981 in Iskenderum) and Ennur Aleyna Tirasoglu (born 1998 in Bakirkoy).

The news about the "citizenships" were published at the "official gazette" of the breakaway regime on February 27.

(CS)

[16] "Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry" participates in the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai

According to the paper, frozen products produced in the occupied area of Cyprus are exhibited for the first time in an exhibition abroad.

(DPs)

[17] Occupied Keryneia is ruined from over construction according to a Turkish Cypriot daily

The paper notes that the beaches of occupied Keryneia are looted and that the constructions are holding captive the town since every day a new construction appears to be made in the area.

It also writes that Keryneia is a city that has the structure to "serve" 25 thousand persons and now is forced to "serve" 85 thousands.

(CS)

[18] "TRNC" participated in the Global Healthcare Travel Forum in Amman

According to the paper, self-styled minister of tourism and environment Fikri Ataoglu, who "represented" "TRNC" at the Global Healthcare Travel Forum, announced that Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Princess Ghaida Talal Princess Dina Mired, the Founder Chairman of GHTC Emin Cakmak and the Forum Chairman of GHTC Dr Fawzi Al-Hammouri, as well as Health and Tourism Ministers visited "North Cyprus stand" at the forum, where they exchanged views regarding the steps that should be taken in order to develop possibilities for cooperation.

(DPs)

[19] Erdogan to attend economic summit in Pakistan

According to the Presidential Press Center, Erdogan will address participants at the summit and meet with other leaders. He is also set to exchange views on regional and international developments during the summit, the announcement said.

At the summit, the ECO, one of Eurasia's most important economic blocs, is expected to make decisions which will set out its course for the next decade.

[20] Turkey harshly slams Austria's Foreign Minister over remarks on Erdogan's plan rally in Austria

"The participation of Turkish nationals living abroad in the election process in Turkey is a democratic necessity. This process has nothing to do with Austrian domestic politics," Turkey's Foreign Ministry said in a written statement late on February 27. The message came in response to Kurz's statement that Erdogan would not be wanted in Austria if his intention is to hold a public rally.

Kurz's statement does not comply with the universal principles of democracy, said the statement, describing Kurz's approach as irresponsible.

"On the contrary to Kurz's claims, what damages the integration [of Turks living in Austria] is discriminatory and divisive rhetoric to prevent Turkish nationals from using their democratic rights," the Ministry said, adding that it was concerning that the approach belonged to a minister who was responsible for integration issues.

"It has been observed that Kurz, who has even exceeded political parties with racist and anti-Islam approaches, is trying to create an agenda by using our country for his personal political gain," the statement further alleged.

(?)

[21] How the Turkish citizens residing abroad voted on November 2015 elections

The paper published the following table how the Turkish citizens living abroad voted for the elections on November 2015.

AKP

CHP HDP MHP Others

Germany 59.7% 14.8% 15.9% 7.5% 2.1%

Britain 20.1% 21.4% 54.5% 2.4% 1.6%

Netherlands 69.7% 11.7% 7.9% 9.1% 2.0%

Switzerland 29.1% 17.8% 45.7% 5.6% 1.9%

France 58.4% 8.6% 25.8% 5.3% 1.9%

Austria 69.0% 9.7% 13.0% 6.3% 2.0%

Belgium 69.4% 10.0% 11.3% 7.4% 1.9%

"TRNC" 49.3% 24.1% 14.9% 10.1% 1.6%

Total 56.2% 16.4% 18.2% 7.1% 2.1%

The following table shows the number of registered voters by country and the turnout on November 2015 elections:

Registered voters Turnout

Germany 1.411.198 40.8%

Britain 86.855 38.6%

Netherlands 245.523 46.7%

Switzerland 93.259 44.8%

France 317.997 45.0%

Austria 107.880 40.6%

Belgium 133.315 42.1%

"TRNC" 95.366 34.2%

(DPs) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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