Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 17-03-17

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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] Cavusoglu reiterates that the Turkish side is not "in desperate straits" on the Cyprus problem

[02] Atun called on the Greek Cypriot side to common sense and cooperation on the issue of the natural gas

[03] Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriot side should make moves to pave the way for the negotiating process

[04] Durduran notes that statements saying that the Greek Cypriots want enosis and to turn the Turkish Cypriots into minority have no good faith

[05] Turkish companies, which were "granted permission" to make investments in occupied Vokolida, did not materialize their plans

[06] An archeopark will be built in occupied Akanthou

[07] US Secretary of State Tillerson to visit Turkey on March 30

[08] Erdogan: "Those who are part of this nation have no reason to oppose constitutional change"

[09] Turkish politicians comment on Dutch election results

[10] Main opposition leader calls on nationalists to vote 'no' in Turkey's referendum

[11] Turkish justice minister pens letter criticizing German counterpart

[12] Turkey considered NATO before Russian missile system

[13] Demirtas: "Trial through teleconference is 'torture'"

[14] Ankara to provide legal support to Turkish citizens in France, Belgium after ECJ headscarf decision

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Cavusoglu reiterates that the Turkish side is not "in desperate straits" on the Cyprus problem

"We have not found Cyprus free of cost. We will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriot people. Turkey and the TRNC never remained in desperate straits. However, we approach it positively. If they want a solution, the parameters are known".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Atun called on the Greek Cypriot side to common sense and cooperation on the issue of the natural gas

Evaluating to the paper the new steps of the Greek Cypriot side in the Eastern Mediterranean and the recent statements by Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Berat Albayrak who stated "we will make important attacks in the Mediterranean", Atun claimed that he has a close cooperation with Albayrak. Atun added the following: "Together with my friend, Minister Albayrak we discussed in details the hydrocarbon issue and the issue of transferring electricity from Turkey to the TRNC. I called on the Greek Cypriots to common sense. They should not act as if the Turkish Cypriots do not exist. I warned them that we will be forced to cooperate with Turkey during the oil exploration activities and after. The Greek Cypriots follow an aggressive stance in the parcel they had declared and they act with determination", Atun claimed.

Pointing out to the importance of the parcel 6 where the Greek Cypriots want to start gas explorations, Atun alleged also the following: "The Greek Cypriots are trying to utilize even this parcel. This is aggressive and it is an unacceptable move. We will not be aggressive. We are in favor of peace on the natural gas issue. We support the cooperation. If the Greek Cypriots do not cooperate, then TPAO will launch seismic researches. We follow a constructive policy but this does not mean that we will give up our rights. At the right time we will do drillings as well. The research vessel will undertake duties in the North Mediterranean sea. And then it will come here".

Referring also to the issue of the electricity transferring from Turkey to the occupation regime with undersea cables, Atun explained that they currently working on this with the full support by Ankara. "Mr. Albayrak fully supports us on this issue. If electricity is transferred, there will be environmental benefits. A viable situation will be created. The cost of electricity will drop and the people will be able to have low cost electricity", Atun further claimed.

(AK)

[03] Soyer said that the Turkish Cypriot side should make moves to pave the way for the negotiating process

In statements to illegal Bayrak, Soyer claimed that the decision of the Cyprus House of Representatives regarding the commemoration of the 1950 plebiscite in schools was a "sabotage of the fanatics in south Cyprus who worried about the continuation of the Geneva Conference" and knew very well how the Turkish Cypriots would react.

Soyer further claimed that the reaction of the Turkish Cypriot leadership and all the political parties was justified, but they should examine how they convey this reaction and undertake an initiative for the resumption of the process on the basis of the 11 February 2014 document.

Finally, he described as "dangerous" the statements saying that the target of creating a federal Cyprus went bankrupt and said that we should get use to listening each other.

(I/Ts.)

[04] Durduran notes that statements saying that the Greek Cypriots want enosis and to turn the Turkish Cypriots into minority have no good faith

"[…] Statements such as 'their target is always enosis, they want to make us minority' and systematically prolonging this have no good faith. The known intransigent persons who hear these in the Turkish side use them as material. Therefore, those who do this reduce the number of those who are expected to support a solution. […] The spokespersons of the administration proved that they are very capable of not leaving the obstacle that came up within its limits, of expanding it and of creating new problems out of it. […] Cyprus is not isolated from the world. There are many relations by which it is influenced. The boiling in Turkey also influences it. […]"

(I/Ts.)

[05] Turkish companies, which were "granted permission" to make investments in occupied Vokolida, did not materialize their plans

According to the paper, the investors, who have not made any investment in plots, continue to keep the plots by asking for extension. For this reason, in an area, which 11,500 hotel beds could be built, are not in use.

Citing information by sources close to the "ministry of tourism", the "ministry" has sent letters to all the companies, who were granted "permission" to make investments, in case they do not make any investments soon, their "permissions" will be cancelled. Meanwhile, the paper reports that these investment companies are located in Turkey.

(DPs)

[06] An archeopark will be built in occupied Akanthou

(DPs)

[07] US Secretary of State Tillerson to visit Turkey on March 30

Tillerson is expected to meet top Turkish officials for the first time, including Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and President Tayyip Erdogan.

The visit, first reported by Al Monitor, comes amid crucial developments in the region, such as the upcoming Raqqa operation and ongoing U.S.-led coalition efforts against Daesh in Mosul.

Ankara and Washington are still negotiating the details of the Raqqa offensive, as some U.S. generals want to arm terror group PKK's Syrian armed wing the YPG with heavy weaponry and more armored vehicles, in order to swiftly retake the city.

Multiple Washington sources told Daily Sabah that some defense officials at the Pentagon didn't find this plan sufficient. Turkey also demands PKK- allied militia groups to leave the Iraqi town of Sinjar, a wish publicly validated by the U.S. State Department.

[08] Erdogan: "Those who are part of this nation have no reason to oppose constitutional change"

Addressing a rally in the northwestern province of Sakarya ahead of the April 16 constitutional referendum, Erdogan highlighted the need for a new system to tackle problems within the current parliamentarian system. He also stated that said the coalition governments had cost Turkey $850 billion between 1991 and 2002. "If Turkey had been run by a stable government since 1991, now our growth rate would have doubled," he said.

In addition, Erdogan accused the top EU court of commencing a struggle between the "Christian cross and the Muslim crescent" following a ruling that allows companies to ban staff from wearing visible religious symbols.

"Where is the liberty of religion? They have commenced a struggle between the cross and crescent. There is no other explanation than this. I am saying this clearly: Europe is heading toward the days just before World War II," Erdogan said.

[09] Turkish politicians comment on Dutch election results

Turkish Hurriyet Daily News reports that Erdogan said that the recent diplomatic crisis with the Netherlands over the expulsion of Turkish politicians had harmed mutual relations. "O Rutte! You may have been first in the elections, but you have lost a friend like Turkey," Erdogan said. "[They said] we may have a dinner with the Prime Minister. There is no such Prime Minister here. Give it up. You have lost," he added.

The 3 million Turkish-origin people residing in European countries have the power to elect 30 lawmakers in Turkey, he said.

"How one can ignore such a power? What harm could there be in a politician going there to carry out an election campaign?" he asked, accusing European countries of promoting outlawed organizations while not permitting the government to campaign.

In addition, Yildirim stated that Turkey determined the election results in the Netherlands. "Europe is doing its politics according to Turkey. Look at the Netherlands. Turkey affected [the election] there," Yildirim said at a rally in the Central Anatolian province of Cankiri, campaigning for a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum on shifting Turkey to an executive presidential system.

"Some countries say 'European values' and 'human rights,' but we saw their real faces last week. When it comes to Turkey, we see how they are a dictatorship engaged in repressive practices," he added.

Yildirim claimed that the Netherlands and Germany "appear to be pro-freedom" but in reality apply bans, accusing them of "protecting terrorists" while barring Turkish politicians from delivering speeches.

Ankara Anatolia news agency reports that Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that there is no difference between the social democrat and fascist parties in the Netherlands, said Thursday, one day after Dutch polls saw the ruling center-right party hold off an extreme-right challenge and secure an apparent third term.

"The election is done. The votes they got are close, around 17-20% -- so many political parties, but when you look at it there is no difference between the social democrats and fascist [Geert] Wilders, they all have the same mentality," Cavusoglu said in Turkey's Mediterranean province of Antalya.

Cavusoglu said if what had happened in the Netherlands had happened elsewhere, the Dutch government would have started lecturing them on democracy. "Is this your understanding of humanity and freedom?" he asked.

He added that Turkey has already begun taking retaliatory measures and that these would continue.

[10] Main opposition leader calls on nationalists to vote 'no' in Turkey's referendum

"They are asking how the nationalists are going to vote 'no.' I'm calling on my Idealist brothers: If nationalism is very valuable, which it is, no one should be worried. I am also a patriot and a nationalist," CHP head Kemal Kilicdaroglu said at a rally in the Aegean province of Denizli on March 16.

Nationalists are often known as "Idealists" (Ulkuculer) who support the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Kilicdaroglu also commented on the debate on calling naysayers "terrorists."

"I never said anything about yaysayers or naysayers. I will respect our people. They are incapable of telling the people about why they should vote 'yes,'" he said.

"What [is the government] saying? 'Naysayers are terrorists.' Why are they terrorists, my friends? When you say this, you acquit those who travel in the mountains with weapons," he said, referring to the Kandil Mountain in northern Iraq, where the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) camps are based.

[11] Turkish Justice Minister pens letter criticizing German counterpart

"Instead of writing a letter, which is full of unjust and unfounded allegations against Turkey, and which is incompatible with the principles of diplomatic courtesy, instead of worrying about terrorists and putschists, I would rather you spent your precious working hours to end the regulations, which are not compatible with the principle of the rule of law, against foreigners living in Germany, including the Turkish community," Bozdag said in his letter.

According to Justice Ministry sources, Bozdag responded to the letters Maas sent on July 19, 2016 and March 2 in a single letter.

In his letter, Bozdag said the judicial authority was used by independent courts on behalf of the Turkish nation, and that it was not possible that any organ, authority or a person can order or give instructions to judges and courts.

"The Turkish judiciary, in accordance with the principles stated in our Constitution, rules independently and impartially, without taking any orders from authorities and posts," he said.

"Deniz Yucel, whom you mentioned in your last letter, was arrested on charges of propaganda in support of a terrorist organization and inciting people to hatred and hostility, not because of his journalistic activity as you claim," Bozdag said.

"It is not clear to which concrete information your allegations, which the named person has been subjected to disproportionate treatment, are based on, and where you have obtained this information from. All the implementations are within the criteria of the rule of law," he added.

[12] Turkey considered NATO before Russian missile system

Last month, the Minister said Ankara was exploring the possibility of purchasing the Russian-made S-400 system for Turkey's first long-range air and anti-missile defense system.

Such a move would be seen as a snub to NATO, which Turkey joined in 1952, and compound existing differences with allies such as Germany and the U.S.

However, Isik said Turkey had looked to Moscow after being unable to secure an attractive deal from its NATO partners.

"Unfortunately we haven't seen any clarity and solidarity in terms of sharing technology and a price advantage," he told the A Haber TV channel.

He added: "If both countries agree on the sale there wouldn't be any obstacle for Turkey to purchase S-400 systems in order to boost its air defense capacity."

Isik said a Russian system would not be integrated into NATO's air defense network.

The potential sale was discussed when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Moscow earlier this month.

[13] Demirtas: "Trial through teleconference is 'torture'"

Demirtas, who is currently being held in a jail in the northwestern province of Edirne, also said it had become impossible for him to attend court hearings physically due to the high number of complaints filed against him, adding that he was forced to defend himself through SEGBIS.

"I'm the co-chair of Turkey's third biggest party," Demirtas told the court on March 16 during a hearing held in the southern province of Mersin regarding a case against him for "insulting" then-Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in a speech.

"Our other co-chair was discharged with a judicial operation. It's a crime. The judiciary shouldn't become a tool to this crime. Everyone should know that we will be respectful toward a fair judiciary. However, everyone should also know that because those who are holding power are spreading fear, we won't be afraid," he also said, referring to HDP co-chair Figen Yuksekdag, who was stripped of her parliamentary post.

[14] Ankara to provide legal support to Turkish citizens in France, Belgium after ECJ headscarf decision

The Foreign Ministry and the Justice Ministry decided to inform Turkish citizens abroad about the ruling, vowing to provide legal support to them when necessary.

A lawyer will be assigned free of charge if a person is fired due to wearing headscarf, Justice Ministry sources told daily Hurriyet on March 16. They added that the citizen in question will be able to benefit from legal aid via Turkish consulates in such cases.

Turkey conducts legal in coordination with the embassies and consulate generals for citizens living abroad, including the United States, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Speaking about the court's decision, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag described it "as a shame." Saying people should not be forced to choose between their religion and their work, Bozdag added said the aforementioned practice is "primitivism, oppression and the slaughter of law and human rights." "It is seen that the Belgian court and the ECJ have caught the extremism disease, have moved away from human rights, and are stuck in primitivism. They have caught the extremism disease on the rise in Europe and given up on rights and justice. It's such a shame," he also said.

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(CS/ AM)

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